Time course of changes in surface tension and morphology of alveolar epithelial cells in co2-induced hyaline membrane disease

Abstract

Atelectasis and hyaline membranes produced by exposure of guinea pigs to 15% CO2 were found to be associated with disappearance of lamellar bodies in the large alveolar lining cells (granular pneumocytes) and an associated decrease in surfactant as indicated in the rise of minimal surface tension of the lungs. This process is limited to the uncompensated phase of respiratory acidosis and is reversed during the compensatory phase. The parallel time course in changes of surface tension and alterations of lamellar bodies in the granular pneumocytes provides additional evidence for the identification of the latter as the cells responsible for the secretion of surfactant.