[Morphofunctional characteristics of the alveolar epithelium and alveolar macrophages in chronic bronchitis].

Quantitative histoenzymatic determination based on early autopsy material was introduced for evaluation of oxidoreductase and hydrolytic enzymes activity in alveolar macrophages (AM) and alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) of the lungs in chronic catarrhal (CC) and chronic purulent (CP) bronchitis with bronchopneumonia development in sites other than acute inflammatory lesions. AM hydrolase hypoactivity was recorded in both CC and CP bronchitis, whereas inhibition of dehydrogenase activity stood out in CP bronchitis along with disturbed activity of the key enzymes of energy and carbohydrate metabolism in AEC. Characteristic features were elucidated for relationships between the cells of the alveolar lining in various forms of chronic bronchitis. The findings suggest a conclusion on inhibited activity of AM in chronic bronchitis.