The pulmonry early changes on the administration of Bleomycin were observed histopa thologically and histochemically in rats for purpose of histogenetic analysis of the fibrosis, which had been reported in human lung by chemotherapeutic use of Bleomycin to cancer.
The rats were divided into 5 groups in such way as 2 control groups (4 rats) and 3experimental groups which consisted of
I. a group administered Bleomycin for the period of 16 days (4 rats),
II. a group administered Bleomycin for the period of 32 days (4 rats)
III.a group fed without any treatment for 15 days following the administration of Bleomycin for 32 days (4 rats).
In a series of 16 days slight fibrosis was located beneath the pleura and followed by their initial breaking of elastic fibers, which was also observed in alveolar walls. There was relative increase in acid mucopolysaccharides with aggregates of mast cells.
In the other two serises of longer period pleural portion was mostly thickened as a result of modrate fibrosis that extended to pulmonary parenchyma in some degree. In the parenchyma without fibrous responce dilatation of alveolar capillaries and bleeding or edema of septal spaces with cellular exsudates were observed.It was obvious that elastic fibers in alveolar septum partially disappeared, clumped or thickened. Acid mucopolysaccharides and activity of adenosine diphosphatase apparently increased in thickened alveolar septum.
In addition, bronchial epithelial cells appeared slightly atrophic and showed lower 3I-H Thymidine uptake than in control animals. These basement membrane showed lower activity of alkaline phosphatase.
The relationship of these alterative phenomena to process of pulmonary fibrogenesis as an effect of Bleomycin has been briefly discussed.
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