Neurotransmitter level in neuroamin-containing lung structures in different forms of tuberculosis

The aim of the study was to identify features of varying localization of monoamines (catecholamines, serotonin) in the cell structures in tuberculosis-affected lung autopsy samples. Material and methods. 165 cases of secondary pulmonary tuberculosis were studied by examining 2,500 histological preparations from patients aged 30 to 55 years, divided into 5 groups, corresponding to the forms of tuberculosis. The Falck–Hillarp luminescence-histochemical method was used to determine the content of neurotransmitters in lung structures. Results. While using the Falck–Hillarp luminescence-histochemical method, mycobacteria tuberculosis containing catecholamines and serotonin were detected   in autopsy material of lungs affected by a specific inflammatory process, as well as neuroamine-containing granular luminescent cells and mast cells. Affected and intact areas of the lungs contain different amounts of monoamines. The number of cells and level of the bioamines studied depends on the form of secondary tuberculosis. It was found that in small forms of secondary tuberculosis (acute focal, fibrous-focal, infiltrative), the number of cells and quantitative parameters of neurotransmitters (catecholamines, serotonin) examined in granular luminescent and mast cells change to rise. In case of lung destructive processes, the level of catecholamines in the structures studied of affected area was higher than in control. The concentration of serotonin in the studied cells lung tissue affected by the tuberculosis process was reduced. Elastic nerve fibers at the sites of mycobacteria were altered as well. They displayed no clear luminescence, looked “swollen”, sometimes lacking varicose veins. Conclusion. Comparing the results of the study with the literature data, it was found that pulmonary tuberculosis occurs as a delayed reaction, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis manifests itself as a corpuscular antigen.