[Lung changes induced by copper sulfate. An experimental contribution to the so-called "vineyard sprayer's lung"]

Vineyard sprayer's lung is an occupational lung disease, caused by inhalation of Bordeaux mixture (1-2% aqueous solution of copper sulfate, neutralized with hydrated lime). Experimental studies in mice after a longstanding exposition to copper sulfate aerosol showed focal accumulations of macrophages in alveoli with different cytoplasmatic inclusions, focal interstitial granuloma formation, increased formation of collagenous and elastic fibers, and increased production of surfactant phospholipids, phagocytosed by macrophages. As a conclusion of these results, copper seems to be the responsible agent for the development of lung changes, seen in vineyard sprayer's lung.