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Macrophages and Giant Cell Proliferation Associated with Bone Protein Synthesis and Calcification in the Trachea and Bronchi of Rabbits Intoxicated with Solanum glaucophyllum

Veterinary Faculty, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas RS, Brazil (SSB, MPS), and Veterinary Faculty, University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina (EJG)

A histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study of the trachea and the bronchi of 6 rabbits experimentally intoxicated with the calcinogenic plant Solanum glaucophyllum was performed. Histologically, infiltration of the mucosa and the submucosa of the trachea and the bronchi by macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, a few lymphocytes and mast cells, and calcium deposits in the basal lamina of the epithelium and in elastic fibers were observed. Expression of osteocalcin, osteonectin, and osteopontin was detected in the mucosa, lamina propria, and epithelium. Electron microscopic study of the corresponding areas showed numerous macrophages in the process of fusion to form multinucleated giant cells, activated mesenchymal cells, and calcium precipitation in the basal lamina of epithelium and in elastic fibers. It is suggested that the high levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃) in the plant induces macrophage proliferation, multinucleated giant-cell formation, mesenchymal cell activation, bone-protein synthesis, and calcification. In addition, the synthesis of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ by local macrophages may have contributed to the calcification.

Key words: Bronchus; calcinogenic plant; giant cell; macrophage; rabbit; vitamin D.

Request reprints from Dr. S S Barros, Appel 655 apto. 603, 97015-030 Santa Maria RS (Brazil). E-mail: severo{at}smail.ufsm.br

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