[Reactivity of mononuclear phagocytes in the lungs and liver of rats exposed to low temperatures].

A study was made of lung and liver mononuclear phagocytes of rats exposed to severe cold (-7 degrees C). The data indicate the depression of mononuclear phagocytes under short-term (2 h) exposure to cold followed by activation of phagocytes, which was more demonstrable in the lungs. The phase modifications in the activity of mononuclear phagocytes were associated with accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (LPP) and destruction of alveolocytes. The different accumulation of LPP in the test organs of animals exposed to cold is regarded by the authors as a possible reason for functional differences of lung and liver macrophages.