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.