Aygun Aliyarbayova
Azerbaijan Medical University, Department of Cytology, embryology and histology, Assistant Professor
Shakaraliyeva Y.V.
Professor, PhD, DSc, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku
Yaqubova S.M.
Associate professor, DSc, Department of Pathology of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku
Aliyeva S.E.
Associate Professor, Phd, department of Pharmacognosy of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku
Guliyeva F.E.
Assistant Professor, PhD, department of Biochemistry of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku
Shukurova A.S.
Assistant Professor, PhD, Department of Pharmacognosy of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku
Sadiqova G.H.
Assistant Professor, PhD, Department of Cytology, Embry-ology and Histology of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku
Background: The pulmonary immune system is incomplete without lung macrophages, which are structurally and functionally heterogeneous. Nevertheless, their histotopographic location, structure and combined characterization are still under partial comprehension.
Objective: This study aimed to perform a comprehensive morphological, structural, immunophenotypic, and ultrastructural characterization of lung macrophage subpopulations in intact Wistar Albino rats.
Methods: Thirty-six healthy rats were examined under standardized conditions. Lung tissues were analysed using histological staining, immunohistochemistry (CD68, CD163, CD207, CD1α, S100, vimentin, Granzyme B), and transmission electron microscopy. Morphometric and statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate macrophage distribution and characteristics.
Results: Macrophages accounted for 3.0-13.0% (8.8±1.0%) of total lung cells and were classified into three subpopulations: alveolar (44.2±4.2%), interstitial-BALT (41.0±4.2%), and bronchial (14.8±1.3%). Each subpopulation exhibited distinct morphological features, spatial localization, and immunophenotypic profiles. Universal expression of CD68 and vimentin was observed, while other markers demonstrated subpopulation-specific variability. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed functional differences reflected in intracellular organization and phagocytic activity.
Conclusion: Lung macrophages in intact rats form a heterogeneous and spatially organized system with distinct structural and functional properties, providing a basis for understanding immune dynamics in the respiratory system.
