Our intention was to analyze changes in the lungs in rabbits induced by the inhalation of the
Bordeaux Mixture aerosol and determination of the time necessary for development of changes that cause
respiratory failure and eventually precancerous changes. To experimental rabbits
aerosol was administred for 4 months. Lungs were examined pathohistologically and histochemically with
rubeanic acid for
copper detection. After 4 months of everyday inhalation lung tissue showed diffuse
inflammation in all experimental animals, but without granulome formation and
fibrosis. The bronchial epithelia showed basal
hyperplasia and ciliocytophtoria without precancerous atypical squamous
metaplasia. The development of
centrilobular emphysema was also observed. Numerous macrophages within the lumen of bronchi, in the interstitium as well as those within the lung alveoli, contain granules with a positive reaction on
copper. A four-month-period is not enough for inducing interstitial
fibrosis or
granuloma foration within the lung tissue, what some authors have found in experimental animals during their longer exposure in relation to humans, as well as in vineyard sprayers during their longer exposure at work, where cytologically can be found unusual mataplastic bronchi cells. At least a six-month period of exposure influenced by
Bordeaux Mixture is thought to be the minimal period needed for development of changes in the lung tissue which can cause "
Respiratory Failure" as well as unplastic expansion.