[Reduction of oily substances in rabbit lungs (author's transl)]

Artificial fat embolism in rabbits was caused by injection of olive oil and Lipiodol Ultrafluid into the ear vein. Electron-microscopic and histochemical observations of the lung were made. The content of nonspecific esterase was evaluated. Serious defects of blood vessels and pneumocytes as well as an increase in alveolar macrophages and capillary thrombosis were noted. The endothelial cells became considerably larger and necrosis of endothelial cells and capillary destruction even occurred. Fat appeared interstially and in the alveolus. Tissue reaction is much greater in olive oil than in contrast medium. This is due to their different chemical composition. The strong tissue reaction in olive oil is caused by glycerol and unsaturated fatty acids occurring in hydrolysis. Fat emboli are primarily eliminated by enzymatic splitting. Normally alveolar macrophages and endothelial cells contain little nonspecific esterase. After application of fatty fluids they react with an increase in the content of esterase. Alveolar epithelium seems to participate in enzymatic fat splitting.