[Pulmonal silicone-embolism. Light microscopic, electron microscopic and enzymehistochemical investigations in the...

Artificial silicone-embolism in rabbits was produced by injection of Baysilon-antifoam into the ear vein. Electron microscopic and histochemical observations of the lung were made, concerning the toxicity and elimination of the embolic material. At 13 months after injection the embolic silicone was not significantly reduced in amount. The rabbit lung is unable to eliminate chemically inert silicone by enzymatic degestion. We noted serious defects of endothelial cells and pneumocytes, destruction of capillaries and local atelectases. These defects are preponderantly mechanical in origin, but may be caused by lack of substrate or energy in cells deprived of their blood supply. Atelectases are interpreted as a result of break-down in surfactant-synthesis.