Experimental pulmonary fibrosis induced by soluble immune complex and 60% oxygen atmosphere

In our previous papers we reported characteristic morphological changes of the capillary endothelium in the lung and of the arterial endothelium. These changes were induced by administration of various soluble immune complexes. In this paper we have induced pulmonary fibrosis in guinea pigs under allergic procedures. Administration of soluble immune complexes alone produces interstitial pneumonia. However, these changes would not normally result in diffuse pulmonary fibrosis. The administration of soluble immune complexes to guinea pigs plus exposure to a 60% oxygen-rich atmosphere yielded diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.