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Granulomatous lesions in the lung induced by inhalation of mold spores

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Abstract

The health hazards associated with grain dust exposure have been recognized as a cause of lung diseases. In the present study, we used germ-free rats exposed to Aspergillus versicolor to elucidate the mechanism for the lung damage induced by grain dust exposure. One month after exposure to the mold, remarkable proliferation of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissues with germinal centres was induced by aspiration of mold spores. After 1 month, alveolar macrophages increased, becoming foamy macrophages by ingestion and digestion of mold spores. They expressed interleukin (IL)-1, Ia antigens and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 intensely and occasionally bound lymphocytes. Numerous lymphocytes infiltrated the granulomatous lesions which consisted of accumulated foamy macrophages and some T lymphocytes which carried IL-2 receptor. Granulomatous lesions were identified in the entire lung, especially around bronchioles. They extended from alveolar ducts to alveolar spaces for 6 months after exposure to the mold. The macrophage appears to be a key effector cell in granulomatous reactions to inhaled molds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Germfree Life, Research Institute for Disease Mechanism and Control, Nagoya University School of Medicine, 65 Tsuruma-cho, Showa-ku, 466, Nagoya, Japan

    Y. Sumi, M. Takeuchi & M. Miyakawa

  2. Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan

    H. Nagura

Authors
  1. Y. Sumi
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  2. M. Takeuchi
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  3. M. Miyakawa
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  4. H. Nagura
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Sumi, Y., Takeuchi, M., Miyakawa, M. et al. Granulomatous lesions in the lung induced by inhalation of mold spores. Vichows Archiv A Pathol Anat 424, 661–668 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00195782

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00195782

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