[Effect of low temperature on lipid peroxidation in the lungs and on pulmonary macrophage activity in rats].

The pulmonary tissue of rats exposed to prolonged (8 days) intensive (-7 degrees C) cold was examined for the intensity of lipid peroxidation and activity of pulmonary macrophages. The data obtained during cold exposure attest to activation of the pulmonary compartment of the system of mononuclear phagocytes. Activation of lipid peroxidation in the lungs (days 1-8) associated with inhibition of the antioxidant systems (tocopherol, glutathione) is regarded as a possible mechanism of pulmonary tissue injuring by cold which stimulates the macrophagal response. A possible role of the activated forms of oxygen produced by macrophages during lipid peroxidation stimulation is discussed.