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Ozone-induced impairment of mucociliary transport and its prevention with N-acetylcysteine

Journal Article · · American Journal of Medicine; (United States)
; ;  [1]
  1. Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Policlinico, Milano (Italy)

The effects of an oxidizing gaseous pollutant on tracheal mucous velocity have been studied in conscious sheep. Acute (2 hours) exposure to 1.0 ppm of ozone showed an effect on tracheal mucous velocity that resulted in a significant decrease 40 minutes and 2 hours after exposure (35% and 40% of the baseline, respectively). Repeated exposure for longer periods (4 days, 5 hours/day) to 1.0 ppm of ozone also significantly decreased tracheal mucous velocity during the first and the second day (-47% and -70% of the baseline, respectively), but during the following days of exposure adaptation took place (tracheal mucous velocity ranging from -42% to -55% of baseline). The tracheal mucous velocity still significantly decreased 5 days after the last exposure. N-Acetylcysteine, known both for its mucolytic and antioxidizing properties, has been demonstrated to prevent significantly all of the immediate effects of either short-term or long-term ozone exposures on mucociliary functions.

OSTI ID:
6261705
Journal Information:
American Journal of Medicine; (United States), Journal Name: American Journal of Medicine; (United States) Vol. 91:3C; ISSN 0002-9343; ISSN AJMEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English