Nitrogen dioxide exposure and development of pulmonary emphysema

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15287398609530821· OSTI ID:5575408

Stavert, D M; Archuleta, D C; Holland, L M; Lehnert, B E

Lungs of adult Fischer-344 rats were evaluated for emphysematous changes after (1) a single intratracheal instillation of elastase (E), (2) a 25-d exposure to 35 ppm nitrogen dioxide (NO/sub 2/), and (3) elastase instillation followed by 25-d exposure to 35 ppm NO/sub 2/ (E + NO/sub 2/). Residual volumes (RV) of the NO/sub 2/ and NS groups were virtually identical, whereas the RV of the E and E + NO/sub 2/ lungs were significantly greater than those of the NS and NO/sub 2/ lungs. Directionally similar changes in the excised lung volumes and total lung capacities were obtained with the E and E + NO/sub 2/ groups; NO/sub 2/ alone, however, did not alter these volumetric parameters. No differences in arterial blood gases and pH values, minute ventilation, or breathing frequencies were found among the experimental groups. The mean linear intercept values (MLI) obtained with the NS and NO/sub 2/ exposed lungs were essentially identical with average values of approx. 62 ..mu..m. This morphometric parameter was substantially increased in the E- and E + NO/sub 2/-exposed lungs; no significant differences, however, were found between the MLI values obtained with the E and E + NO/sub 2/ lungs. From these data as well as histologic examinations of lung sections for evidence of emphysema, it was concluded that (1) a subchronic, moderately high level of NO/sub 2/ exposure does not produce an irreversible emphysematous lesion in the rat model and (2) exposure of rats to 35 ppm for 25 d after elastase instillation into the lungs does not potentiate protease-induced emphysema or bring about a progression in preexisting emphysema.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM
• OSTI ID: 5575408
• Journal Information: J. Toxicol. Environ. Health; (United States), Vol. 17:2-3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
EMPHYSEMA
ETIOLOGY
LUNGS
BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS
NITROGEN DIOXIDE
TOXICITY
HISTOLOGY
INTRATRACHEAL ADMINISTRATION
RATS
ANIMALS
BODY
CHALCOGENIDES
DISEASES
FUNCTIONS
MAMMALS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
ORGANS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES
560305* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Vertebrates- (-1987)