Ultrastructural changes in tracheal epithelial cells exposed to oxygen.
White albino rats were sacrificed after 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure to 100% O2 at 1 atm. Tissue was prepared for the scanning electron microscope (SEM) by Critical Point Drying and for the transmission electron microscope (TEM) by plastic embedding. Scanning microscopy showed a loss of microvilli after 48 h of exposure. Cilia appeared relatively normal with SEM, but TEM revealed changes in the outer membrane. In TEM, nonciliated cells appeared swollen and often encroached on the ciliated cells. A heavy mucous blanket remained even after processing. All the changes observed that are induced by oxygen exposure contribute to mucostasis, reducing and/or halting mucociliary clearance.
D000818:Animals; D001273:Atmosphere Exposure Chambers; D004780:Environment, Controlled; D004848:Epithelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010100:Oxygen / Q000633:toxicity*; D051381:Rats; D014132:Trachea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D010100:Oxygen