Local defense mechanisms in chronic nonspecific pulmonary inflammation]

The mechanisms of non-immune and immune injuries in chronic nonspecific lung inflammation are analysed on the basis of authors' research and literature. The data given concern the changes of the bronchial mucociliary transport system, incomplete functions of alveolar macrophages and polymorphonuclear neutrophils in chronic inflammatory foci, increase in the number of intra- and extracellular bacteria, metabolism of lung phagocytes in different chronic inflammatory lung diseases. The urgency of lung phagocyte and lymphocyte investigation both in specific cellular and humoral immune reactions, as well as in realization of immunopathologic mechanisms developing in chronic inflammation is emphasized.     

Changes in the gastroduodenal system in chronic nonspecific lung diseases

Chronic non-specific pulmonary diseases are frequently followed by the development of inflammatory-degenerative and erosive-ulcerative processes in the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum. The literature date are presented on the frequency of combination of these conditions, the attempt is made to assess their link from the viewpoint of pathogenesis. Disturbances of respiratory lung function and hypoxia as well as non-respiratory metabolic functions of the pulmonary tissue are regarded as etiological factors of pathological processes in the gastro-duodenal area.     

Histometric research on cor pulmonale in chronic nonspecific lung diseases

Micrometric parameters of lungs and the right ventricle myocardium under the pulmonary heart compensation and decompensation were studied. Correlative and information analysis of parameters at various stages of the pulmonary heart formation in chronic non-specific pulmonary diseases in 14 patients dying at the age of 48 to 80 years is performed. Morphometric analysis allowed to distinguish micrometric signs of the pulmonary heart compensation and decompensation. Information analysis of the pulmonary heart parameters established the thickness of cardiomyocytes and transversal diameter of their nuclei to be the most informative indexes. Correlation analysis revealed the enhancement of the parameters links, in proportion with the development of the pulmonary heart decompensation. The changes observed reflect a structural-functional myocardium restructuring and indicate an energy deficiency of the right ventricle cardiomyocytes.     

Changes in the lesser circulation vessels in chronic nonspecific lung diseases

Clinicomorphological study of the pulmonary circulation vessels was performed in 20 patients with bronchiectatic disease without right ventricle hypertrophy and in 14 patients with chronic bronchitis complicated with pulmonary heart. Pathology data of persons dying from diseases other than vitium cordis and lung diseases were used as control. Morphological signs of pulmonary hypertension are found in all cases of chronic nonspecific lung diseases. The most pronounced changes develop in the vascular segment starting from arterioles and up to the arteries of muscle type with the diameter of 400 microns. The dependence of the pulmonary arteries changes on the type of lung disease is established. Pathological changes in the walls of the pulmonary circulation vessels, in parallel with pronounced compensatory alterations, are found in cases complicated with pulmonary heart.