[Ultrastructural changes in the lungs in experimental M. pneumoniae infection].

The ultrastructural changes in the lungs were studied in aerosol infecting of Syrian hamsters with M.pneumoniae culture (10(8)--10(9) CFU, at a rate of 0.1 ml per animal). It was found that the pathological process began with an intensive vascular reaction followed by a very speedy interstitial and serous-desquamative pneumonia with hemorrhagic component. Mycoplasmae in the lungs were seen in the lumen of the vessels being in close contact with red cells and leukocytes, which points to a possibility of hematogenic dissemination. Phagocytosis of mycoplasmae by macrophages and endothelial cells was found. Mycoplasmae changed their ultrastructure in the course of interaction with the macroorganism.