MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE LUNGS DUE TO THE CHRONIC CHROMIUM INTOXICATION

Abstract

Insufficient previous study of changes in the lungs due to the industrial chromium intoxication at the early stages of exposure to permissible concentration of chromium. Methods. Histological and electron microscopical examining organs of Wistar's rats after their exposure to the permissible concentration of chromium during a working shift in an electroplating shop for the period from two weeks to three months. Results. Elicited facts of development of the pronounced inflammatory reactions in the bronchi and lungs after two weeks of exposure followed by development of the bronchitis, interstitial alveolitis, pneumosclerosis and emphysema. Conclusions. Even small concentration of chromium causes an injurous effect mediated by a toxic, fibrogenic and sensitizing influence of its compounds on an organism. Dystrophic changes of the bronchial epithelium accompanied with an insufficient activity of macrophages and activation of fibroblasts in the background of the localized or diffuse alveolitis can cause development of the chronic inflammatory processes in the bronchi at the initial stages of the industrial chromium exposure.