The ultrastructural histochemistry and stereoscanning electron microscopy of the rodent and amphibian surfactant systems.

Ultrastructural histochemical precedures were employed to determine the carbohydrate components and their contributions to the rodent and amphibian surfactant systems. Zirconium stained the rodent (rat) cytoplasm surrounding the multilamellar bodies, the Golgi, and was associated with the membrane structures of the compact lamellae of alveolar multilamellar bodies. In the rodent and amphibian (Rana pipiens), ruthenium red stain was observed within all tubular myelin surfactant matricies. The "gutters," tubular myelin surfactant matrix, and intratubular myelin surfactant matrix materials all demonstrated a positive reaction product. The periodic acid-chromic acid-silver procedure revealed irregular channels extending from the multilamellar bodies to the surface of the rodent great alveolar pneumocyte. The extra-pulmonary and respiratory surfaces in both species were additionally studied by stereoscanning electron microscopy. The respiratory anatomy of the rodent was corroborated. The amphibian lung demonstrated three orders of septa, and in the expired state, tertiary septal pits. The amphibian primary septa were hollow, blind tubules containing respiratory surfaces.