PHAGOCYTOSIS BY CELLS OF PULMONARY ALVEOLI - TRANSFORMATION OF CRYSTALLINE PARTICLES

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 93  (1) , 27-+
Abstract
The progressive transformation of illite crystals in [rat] alveolar macrophages was studied with X-ray microanalysis and electron microdiffraction. Illite particles captured by macrophages underwent a series of progressive modifications which affected their ultrastructure, crystalline state and chemical composition. Crystalline structure progressively disappeared and certain elements were eliminated. At the end of the experiment, which lasted more than 6 mo., the initial characteristics of the particles were greatly transformed. The constitutive elements of the illite particles were found in structures other than macrophages e.g. Type I pneumocytes, interstitium and blood platelets.