[Free alveolar cells in experimental pulmonary emphysema. I. Statistical analysis of cellular composition and lung morphometry].

The study was carried out on an experimental papain induced model of pulmonary emphysema. The authors assessed the cell populations sampled with lavage. Special emphasis was directed on alveolar macrophages and neutrophils. Extent of emphysema was analysed morphometrically. The authors demonstrated an influx of neutrophils 24 hours after papain was introduced intratracheally. This was followed by a swift decrease of the number of sampled neutrophils. Seven days latter the neutrophil count returned to normal. A significant increase of alveolar macrophages was seen on the seventh day. The increased macrophage count correlated with the extent of the pulmonary emphysema destruction.