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Response of the macaque nasal epithelium to ambient levels of ozone. A morphologic and morphometric study of the transitional and respiratory epithelium

Journal Article · · Am. J. Pathol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6321411
Although ozone (O/sub 3/)-induced bronchiolitis has been morphologically characterized, effects of O/sub 3/ on the upper respiratory tract have not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposures to ambient levels of O/sub 3/ induce lesions in the nasal mucosa. Bonnet monkeys were exposed to 0.00, 0.15, or 0.30 ppm O/sub 3/ for 6 or 90 days, 8 hours/day. After exposure, nasal mucosa was processed for light and electron microscopy. Quantitative changes were evident in the nasal transitional and respiratory epithelium. At 6 or 90 days of exposure to 0.15 or 0.30 ppm O/sub 3/ lesions consisted of ciliated cell necrosis, shortened cilia, and secretory cell hyperplasia. Inflammatory cell influx was only present at 6 days of exposure. Ultrastructural changes in goblet cells were evident at 90 days. Ambient levels of O/sub 3/ can induce significant nasal epithelial lesions, which may compromise upper respiratory defense mechanisms.
Research Organization:
California Primate Research Center, Davis
OSTI ID:
6321411
Journal Information:
Am. J. Pathol.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Pathol.; (United States) Vol. 128:1; ISSN AJPAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English