Chapter 7 The respiratory system/Fig 7.10.jpg

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Pathogenesis of adult respiratory distress syndrome. Initial injury is to the capillary endothelium or the alveolar epithelium. The endothelial damage is often initiated by endotoxin and is sustained by interactions between neutrophils, macrophages, cytokines, oxygen radicals, complement and arachidonate metabolites. Fluid and proteins leak from the capillary into the interstitium and alveoli.