Altogether 445 patients with chronic bronchitis were under observation.

Changes in tissue respiration were monitored by shifts in the concentration of pyruvic and lactic acids, LDH and cytochrome c oxidase activity and changes in the concentration of indices of the thiol spectrum.

The results obtained showed that chronic bronchitis during exacerbation was characterized by disorders of tissue respiration which did not return to normal even in the course of therapy; aerobic as well as anaerobic oxidation was disturbed. In 91 patients 10-year shifts in indices were detected, however they were less than during exacerbation. Disorders of tissue respiration can be caused by two factors: inflammatory intoxication of organs and tissues and chronic oxygen insufficiency in tissues.

Drugs promoting normal tissue respiration are recommended for pathogenetic treatment of chronic bronchitis.

About the Authors

Vaijchekonis VI. (1986). Tissue respiration in chronic bronchitis. Ter Arkh 1986;58(12):14-8.