[Morphological studies of the lungs in experimental burns]

The authors studied light- and electronmicroscopically the lungs of 20 rats after experimental burns in closed space. Twenty one histological parameters were evaluated. Two mechanisms of quickly developed fatal outcome were established--asphyxia and acute injury of shock lung. Electronmicroscopically there was an increased secretion of surface active materials and degenerative changes in the alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium. Carbon particles found in the upper respiratory tract were considered as signs of vitality.