[Effects of laser irradiation on the regeneration of the bronchial epithelium in chronic inflammation].

Structural and metabolic changes were studied in 162 large bronchial mucosa biopsy specimens from 63 patients with chronic lung diseases. Proliferative and metabolic processes were shown to be induced by endotracheal therapy with helium-neon laser for the damaged epithelium, which passed through a number of transitional forms and repaired its structure and differentiation into ciliary and goblet cells with normal ultrastructure. In lamina propria, there was hyperemia, intensive leukodiapedesis, formation of leukocytic infiltrated and granulations, the metabolic activity of endotheliocytes and interstitial cells increased, giving rise to delicate fibrous connective tissue. The simultaneous reorganization of the epithelium and underlying connective tissue is interpreted from the standpoint of a concept of parenchymal and stromal relationships.