Fibrosing alveolitis (pulmonary interstitial fibrosis) evoked by experiemntal inhalation of Gasoline vapours.

Rats exposed to an atmosphere contaminated with gasoline vapour for 6--12 weeks exhibit progressive focal interstitial fibrosis of the lung, which is associated with irregular alveolar collapse. It is suggested that this experimental model of diffuse fibrosing lung disease constitutes a useful tool for the study of the dynamics of pulmonary reactivity to atmospheric pollutants and which may facilitate an understanding of the pathogenesis of fibrosing alveolitis in man.