Lung damage caused by phospholipase C and the changes in phospholipids in the rat lung

The lipid and protein fractions of the endobronchial lavage fluid from the normal rats which contained the lung surfactant were analysed. Lecithin, the main main component of the lung surfactant, was exclusively combined with a dextran precipitable protein. This protein then behaved as beta-globulin on cellulose acetate electrophoresis or low density lipoprotein on agarose gel filtration. After administration of phospholipase C (from Clostridium Welchii), the protein content of the lavage fluid increased markedly. The amount of dextran precipitable protein also increased markedly and its properties remained the same on gel filtration after treatment with phospholipase C. The phospholipids in the lavage fluid were not affected, although the total phospholipids in the lung tissue, especially lecithin, did decrease during the 10 days after treatment. Histopathologically, an eosinophilic dense exudative fluid appeared in both the interstitium and the broncho-alveolar spaces. A large number of the alveolar lining cells disappeared and a few of them were desquamated into the alveolar spaces. Thus, the immediate destruction of the alveolar lining cells after the administration of phospholipase C resulted in interstitial pneumonia in 10 days. The significance of phospholipase in pulmonary inflammation is discussed.