[Electron microscopy studies of alveolar macrophages in some lung diseases]

Abstract

Results of electron microscopic examinations of the pulmonary alveolar macrophage in healthy nonsmokers, smokers and in patients with proteinosis, hard metal coniosis and sarcoidosis are reviewed. Authors have carried out the staining of the acid phosphatase and peroxydase enzymes as well. Ultrastructural alterations in the different cases were very characteristic, but the cytochemical results in the macrophages from sarcoidosis are not pathognomonic.