Exposure of rats to hyperoxia: alteration of lavagate parameters and macrophage function.

Exposure of rats to hyperoxia (100% oxygen for 64 h) resulted in striking alterations in the properties of samples obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage. The yield of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and red blood cells was increased, while the number of harvested alveolar macrophages decreased. The acellular lavage fluid level of protein was elevated, indicating lung damage. However, acellular phospholipid levels were unchanged. The ability of alveolar macrophages to produce reactive forms of oxygen in response to zymosan was significantly decreased by oxygen exposure. This impaired function was not fully explained by a decrease in viability of these phagocytes. In contrast, stimulant-induced chemiluminescence was elevated after hyperoxia. This rise was not due to a change in cellular antioxidant levels or to a discernible increase in arachidonic acid metabolites. However, it was associated with increased cellular lipid peroxidation.