Ultrastructural changes in alveolar macrophages of rats exposed to nickel oxide by inhalation

Alveolar macrophages recovered from rats exposed to nickel oxide (NiO) showed distinct changes in cell size and presence of viscous substances surrounding the cells. Both alveolar macrophages and lung washout fluid (LWF) exhibited alterations in the cytoplasmic inclusion bodies by the presence of parallel, concentric lamellar structures or formations, osmiophilic inclusions, matrix formations and obvious degenerative changes. In addition, alveolar macrophages showed eccentrically placed nucleus with peripheral chromatinization, elongated outline and cytoplasmic projections of different sizes.