Crystalline inclusions associated with lung adenomas in C57BLxC3H F1 mice

In a study on lung adenomas induced by the administration of a single intragastric dose of sodium thiocyanate, diethylnitrosamine, or its precursors to 15-day-old C57BLxC3H F1 mice the occurrence of crystalline inclusions in pulmonary parenchyma was noted. A correlation between crystalline deposits and number and type of adenomas seen between 46 and 110 weeks was observed. In 45/61 adenomas, eosinophilic cells containing inclusions were seen scattered in the pulmonary tissue, adjacent to tumor areas, in desquamated cells in the bronchioles, in the lumens of the submucosal bronchial glands, and within the alveoli. By contrast 7/85 mice without adenomas showed inclusions (4/7 mice had pneumonitis). The inclusions stained with bromophenol blue, were PAS positive diastase resistant and showed varying amounts of alpha-1-antitrypsin, IgG, and IgA by immunoperoxidase technique. Ultrastructure revealed membrane bound rods with a lattice pattern.