ISSN:
1432-0703
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Alterations in population profiles, morphology, and phagocytic activity of lung cells followingin vivo exposure of Fischer 344 rats to a single dose of silica, were compared to similar changes following exposure to synthetic graphite. The effect of silica exposure on alveolar macro-phage mycocidal activity was also measured. Acute exposure by inhalation to 100 mg/m3 silica dust produced persistent pulmonary inflammation, as well as long-term changes in pulmonary alveolar macrophages (AM) typical of macrophage activation. Both particles were steadily cleared from the lungs; AM from the silica study, as well as from the 100 and 500 mg/m3 graphite studies, contained ingested particles throughout the entire 3 month experimental period. Lavaged pulmonary cells showed no reduction in viability as a result of exposure to either of the dusts. After silica inhalation, the following changes were observed constantly in bronchopulmonary lavage cell samples: increased numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), hypersegmented PMN, binucleated AM, increased AM phagocytic indices and capacities, and increased mycocidal activity. Following inhalation of 1–100 mg/m3 synthetic graphite the above-mentioned effects were not seen. Exposure to 500 mg/m3 graphite produced transient inflammation and AM activation for about 24–48 hr.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01160299
Permalink