Changes in lysosomal properties of alveolar macrophages of rats treated with chlorphentermine

Rats were treated with chlorphentermine (30 mg/kg) 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Alveolar macrophages washed from the lungs were greatly enlarged and filled with lamellated inclusions. Lysosomal acid hydrolase activity was increased in these cells when compared to macrophages from untreated rats. Chlorphentermine treatment appeared to have marked effects on lysosomal stability. The latency of acid phosphatase was increased. The effects on β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase were somewhat different, however, with the latency of this enzyme characterized by an increased lysosomal fragility. These findings indicated that in addition to producing morphological changes within alveolar macrophages, chlorphentermine administration leads to lysosomal changes as well.