DYNAMIC PORTRAIT OF ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES IN EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

SUMMARY. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a globally prevalent metabolic disorder with profound implications for systemic organs, yet its intricate relationship with the respiratory system, particularly the alveolar macrophages (AM), remains underexplored. The aim – to comprehensively investigate the pathological alterations in AM during the progression of experimental diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods. An experimental investigation was conducted involving 88 male Wistar rats, categorized into intact (Group 1), control (Group 2), and experimental (Group 3) groups. Experimental diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (Sigma, USA), diluted in 0.1 M citrate buffer with a pH of 4.5, at a dose of 60 mg/kg of body weight. Tissue samples were collected at intervals of 14, 28, 42, and 70 days. Electron microscopy analysis was employed to examine lung tissue fragments. Results. On the 14th day, increased functional activity of AMs was observed, marked by distinct nuclear contours and shallow nucleolemic intussusceptions. Subsequent days revealed alterations in mitochondrial morphology, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum, culminating in dystrophic changes by the 70th day. The study period exhibited a dynamic temporal progression, showcasing the multifaceted responses of AMs to diabetic conditions. These responses include heightened functional activity, structural modifications in organelles, and a subsequent shift towards dystrophic changes, providing a comprehensive view of the evolving dynamics of AMs during the course of experimental diabetes mellitus. Conclusions. The study reveals a dynamic temporal progression in alveolar macrophages during the course of experimental diabetes mellitus. Early heightened functional activity transitions into dystrophic changes, providing insights into the evolving functional deficiency of macrophages as diabetes advances, contributing to the understanding of diabetes-related respiratory pathology.