Rabbit alveolar macrophages after inhalation of hexa- and trivalent chromium

Journal Article · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Environ. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-9351(86)80063-9· OSTI ID:5729400

Johansson, A; Wiernik, A; Jarstrand, C; Camner, P

Rabbits inhaled aerosols of hexavalent chromium (Na/sub 2/CrO/sub 4/) and trivalent chromium (Cr(NO/sub 3/)/sub 3/) at concentrations of 0.9 and 0.6 mg/m/sup 3/ of the metal, respectively, for 4-6 weeks (5 days/week and 6 hr/day). Significantly more macrophages were obtained from the lungs of rabbits exposed to Cr(VI) but not from rabbits exposed to Cr(III) as compared with the controls. Macrophages from rabbits exposed to Cr(III) showed several conspicuous changes. About one-third of the macrophages contained round dark inclusions, 0.5-1.5 ..mu..m diameter, rich in chromium. Most cells had very large lysosomes which contained membranous fragments of different sizes surrounded by a more homogeneous matrix. Laminated inclusions similar to the lamellar bodies in the type II cells increased in number as did the percentage of cells with a smooth cell surface. Also macrophages from rabbits exposed to Cr(VI) showed morphological changes. The most pronounced one was enlarged lysosomes which contained short lamellae and electron-dense patchy inclusions. Only Cr(III) produced functional changes of the macrophages. The metabolic activity measured by reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium was increased and the phagocytic activity reduced.

• Research Organization: National Institute of Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
• OSTI ID: 5729400
• Journal Information: Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 39:2; ISSN ENVRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AEROSOLS
ANIMAL CELLS
ANIMALS
CHROMIUM
CHROMIUM COMPOUNDS
COLLOIDS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CONNECTIVE TISSUE CELLS
DISPERSIONS
ELEMENTS
INHALATION
INTAKE
MACROPHAGES
MAMMALS
METABOLISM
METALS
MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PHAGOCYTES
PHAGOCYTOSIS
RABBITS
SOLS
SOMATIC CELLS
TOXICITY
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
VALENCE
VERTEBRATES