Endogenous lipid pneumonia in rats after subacute exposure to CdCl2: research-article

The objective of this report was to study lung cellular lesions in Wistar rats after subacute oral exposition to CdCl2. The experimental groups were exposed to CdCl2, through their drinking water in a concentration of 1 g/L, continuously for a period of 9 days. Histologically, all the exposed animals showed the incidence of interstitial pneumonia; hyperplasia of type II pneumocytes and Clara cells; the presence of foamy macrophages; and lesions linked to the existence of endogenous lipid pneumonia. Endogenous lipid pneumonia after CdCl2 exposure has not been previously described; and in its pathogenesis, hyperplasia of type II pneumocytes and Clara cells activation could play an important role.