Functional and morphologic changes in the lungs after a single intratracheal instillation of silica

The functional and morphologic consequences in the lungs of a single intratracheal instillation of silica dust were evaluated over 6 months. Male Fischer-344 rats were subjected to pulmonary function tests that measured lung volumes, forced expiratory flows, and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO). Then saline (0.7 ml, n = 10) or saline containing either 10 mg (n = 9) or 40 mg (n = 14) of silica dust was instilled in the trachea, and each animal was tested 3, 12, and 24 wk later. Morphologic studies were performed on 27 rats similarly treated (3/group/time). By 3 wk after instillation, the inspiratory capacity, forced vital capacity, and DLCO diminished significantly (p less than 0.01) in the high-dose group. After 3 wk, the response tended to level off. Forced expiratory flows were not significantly affected. By contrast, biochemical analysis of lung collagen content indicated a linear accumulation throughout the experimental period. Microscopic evaluation revealed intra-alveolar accumulation of lipoproteinaceous material (alveolar proteinosis) by 3 wk in both dose groups, which persisted through the 24-wk experimental period. A few fibrotic nodules were seen as early as 3 wk in the 40-mg silica group, and their numbers increased with time, whereas they were relatively sparse in the 10-mg silica group throughout the experimental period, despite the diminished functional measurements. These data suggest a closer temporal correlation of the functional decrements observed to the evolution of the alveolar changes than they do to the development of fibrosis. We conclude that the development of nodular fibrosis was not the major contributing factor to the observed functional changes.