Fatty Change of the Granular Pneumocyte

Abstract

Fat vacuoles develop in the granular pneumocytes of guinea pigs exposed to severe hypoxia in low-pressure chambers. The ostiniophilic lamellar bodies are apparently reduced in size and decreased in number. The fatty change of the granular pneumocyte may represent a metabolic alteration and interfere with the production of surfactant. This hypoxic lesion of the pneumocyte may be a significant factor in high-altitude pulmonary insufficiency.