3.2-TEM Investigation Results
In our study, TEM images obtained from the control rat lung samples are
presented in Figure 4 (A-D). According to these data, Type 1 and Type 2
alveolar epithelial cells and basal lamina in the alveolar wall have a
healthy morphology. In general, the alveolar epithelial wall structure
has shown regularity. Type 1 pneumocytes with regular oval nucleus in
normal sizes and shapes were detected. Intense peripheral chromatin was
seen in the nucleus of these pneumocytes. Type 2 pneumocytes with normal
peripheral chromatin and regular nucleus structure were also observed.
Vacuols were also found in some cells.
In TEM data obtained from PPI treated groups (Figure 5 A-D), the most
prominent finding was detected as alveolar epithelial thickening and
irregularity. The increase in the amount of erythrocytes is remarkable.
The peripheral chromatin density in cell nucleus has increased very much
and a few erythrocyte debris has been observed in the alveolar lumen. In
addition, lamellar body increase was observed in Type 2 pneumocytes.
Nucleus and lamellar body damage and fusion were detected in some type 2
cells. Mitochondrial swelling and cristae damage were also observed in
some cell cytoplasm. Occasional vacuole formations and electron dense
inclusions were observed. In some nucleus structures, advanced membrane
ondulations and pyknotic appearance were observed. Cellular debris has
been observed in some areas of the alveolar lümen.
In TEM micrographs obtained from H2 receptor blocker treated groups
(Figure 6 A-D), alveolar epithelial thickess and integrity loss were
observed. In general, the size of the type 2 pneumocytes is larger than
the control group, and lamellar bodies was found to be irregular and
damaged rather than regular oval appearance. Apical microvillus
structures are relatively well preserved in some cells. However it has
shown irregularity, rupture and shortening in some areas. In some cells,
dense peripheral chromatin and nucleus ondulations were determined.
Collagen fibers are evident, mitochondria are relatively healthy, and
vacuol formations have been observed.