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Effect of sulfur dioxide on the morphology and mucin biosynthesis by the rat trachea

Journal Article · · J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5793160
Specific-pathogen-free rats were exposed to 400 ppM sulfur dioxide daily for up to 7 weeks. At intervals during exposure, tracheas were removed and incubated in vitro in culture medium containing radioactive glycoprotein precursors. The most prominent histological changes due to SO/sub 2/ were progressive hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the submucosal mucous glands accompanied by a flattening of the epithelium with eventual recovery. Uptake of radioactive precursors into a highly purified mucin fraction correlated with these histological changes in the submucosal mucous glands, increasing progressively up to 4 times that of control. Uptake of precursors into specific mucins purified by DEAE-Sephacel showed that uptake into the 0.2 and 0.3 M NaCl fractions was stimulated several fold by SO/sub 2/, and uptake into more highly acidic fractions, which was nearly absent in the control, was also greatly increased. Two weeks following the last exposure of the tracheas to SO/sub 2/, their morphological and mucus-secreting properties showed signs of returning to that of the control.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Tennessee, Oak Ridge
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
5793160
Journal Information:
J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol.; (United States) Vol. 4; ISSN JEPTD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English