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Pulmonary clearance and hilar lymph node content in rats after particle exposure

Journal Article · · Environ. Res.; (United States)

The alveolo-bronchial and the lymphatic pathways are most important in pulmonary clearance of relatively insoluble particles. We were interested in studying the effect of the lung burden on the size of the fraction cleared via the lymphatic system. TiO/sub 2/ particles, representing the ''inert and insoluble'' class of particulate matter, were used in rats utilizing both intratracheal instillation and inhalation exposures. After a single exposure about 40 to 45% of the deposited particles are cleared from the lung in 25 days and about 0.7% are found in the hilar lymph nodes at low exposures. At high exposures lung clearance decreases, in some experiments to zero values, and the lymph node content increases to 4%. At low exposures both exposure techniques result in similar clearance values; however, the lymphatic node content rises with increased lung burden faster after intratracheal instillation. The possible mechanisms involved are discussed.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Rochester, NY
OSTI ID:
5912426
Journal Information:
Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 16; ISSN ENVRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English