Lung morphology in experimental uremia

The investigations were performed on 15 dogs with experimental uremia, but free of overhydration and circulatory insufficiency. Parahilar lungs areas showed numerous atelectatic foci, the peripheral part--conpensatory marginal emphusema. Light microscopy revealed a decreased number of granular cells, electron microscopy the "empty" appearance of the lamellar structures, and decrease or absence of the Hale-positive layer of alveolar lining film. The inhibition of cells controlling the alveolar surgace tension seems to be crucial in the pathomechanism of development of uremic lung lesions.