Free-radical oxidation during experimental pneumonia

Lipid peroxidation in the lungs and plasma of albino rats was studied under normal conditions and during experimental pneumonia. In intact rats the content of lipid peroxidation products and the rate of their accumulation in lung homogenate is lower than in homogenates of other organs. Bivalent iron ions added to blood plasma did not induce chemiluminescence characteristic of lipid peroxidation. Experimental pneumonia intensifies production of active oxygen forms by alveolar macrophages and blood neutrophils and increases the content of lipid peroxidation products in lung homogenate. Combined application of antibiotics and antioxidant (vitamin E) during experimental pneumonia promotes normalization of free-radical oxidation and diminishes morphological alterations in the lungs.