[Levels of physiologically active substances in the blood in acute pneumonia]

Histochemical techniques have demonstrated an increase in the content of some physiologically active substances (catecholamines, serotonin and histamine) and acetylcholinesterase activation in the formed elements of the blood plasma of patients with acute pneumonia. The development of acute experimental pneumonia and pulmonary edema in rabbits has been shown to be accompanied by inhibition of serotonin inactivation in the lungs. It may be assumed that the increase in the blood content of physiologically active substances is caused by abnormality of the non-respiratory functions of the lungs in acute pneumonia.