[Intermediate filaments in the lung macrophages and endothelial cells in chronic alcoholism and suppurative-destructive lung diseases]

Accumulation of intermediate filaments in lung macrophages and endotheliocytes has been found in patients with chronic alcoholism and purulent destructive pulmonary diseases. Excess accumulation of cytoskeletal elements reflects cell dystrophy. The authors believe that impairment of macrophage function may favour the lingering of the suppurative process.