Mechanism of bronchoconstriction during inhalation of sulfur dioxide

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1965 · J. Appl. Physiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6287196

Nadel, J A; Salem, H; Tamplin, B; Tokiwa, Y

Seven human volunteers were exposed to 4 to 6 ppM SO/sub 2/ via mouth for 10 min before and 20 min after injection with atropine sulfate. Sulfur dioxide reduced conductance/thoracic gas volume (increased resistance) to a mean of 39% within 10 sec to 4 min. Subjective description was given of irritation of pharnyx, substernum, and cough. No effect of SO/sub 2/ was noted after atropine sulfate except irritation. Exposure of 11 artificially-ventilated cats to an undetermined concentration of SO/sub 2/ increased R/sub L/ a mean of 246% when delivered to lower airways and lungs and 331% (more variable) when delivered to upper airways. Atropine sulfate or cooling cervical vagosympathetic nerves prevented action of SO/sub 2/. Apparently bronchoconstriction from brief SO/sub 2/ exposures depends on intact parasympathetic pathways. Rapidity of response suggests changes in smooth muscle tone.

• OSTI ID: 6287196
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Physiol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Physiol.; (United States) Vol. 20; ISSN JAPYA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

551000 -- Physiological Systems
560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
ALKALOIDS
ANIMALS
ATROPINE
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
BIOCHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
BRONCHI
CATS
CHALCOGENIDES
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DRUGS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INHALATION
INTAKE
KINETICS
LUNGS
MAMMALS
MAN
NERVES
NERVOUS SYSTEM
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PARASYMPATHOLYTICS
PHARYNX
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
REACTION KINETICS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPONSE MODIFYING FACTORS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFUR OXIDES
VAGUS
VERTEBRATES