Clearance and dimensional changes of crocidolite asbestos fibers isolated from lungs of rats following short-term exposure

Journal Article · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Environ. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-9351(87)80010-5· OSTI ID:6486900

Roggli, V L; George, M H; Brody, A R

Previous studies in this laboratory have demonstrated fiber clearance and dimensional changes in chrysotile asbestos using a rat inhalational model of short-term exposure. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether or not similar changes occurred in crocidolite asbestos fibers isolated from the lungs of rats at various intervals after termination of exposure. The numbers and dimensions of the fibers were assessed using scanning electron microscopy. The mass of crocidolite asbestos retained in the lung was then calculated. Of the respirable fraction, 19% was deposited in the lungs, and 25% of this amount was still present 1 month after exposure. These values are similar to the 23% deposition and 19% retention rates fro chrysotile determined in a previous study. There was a progressive increase in mean fiber length with time postexposure, but no significant changes in the diameter of the population of crocidolite fibers retained in the lung. Thus it appears that the tendency for longer fibers to be retained within lung tissue is a characteristic shared by serpentine and amphibole asbestos fibers, whereas longitudinal splitting with progressive decrease in mean fiber diameter in vivo occurs primarily with the serpentine fibers.

• Research Organization: Duke Univ., Durham, NC
• OSTI ID: 6486900
• Journal Information: Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 42:1; ISSN ENVRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
ASBESTOS
BODY
CLEARANCE
DIMENSIONS
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
EXCRETION
FIBERS
INHALATION
INTAKE
LUNG CLEARANCE
LUNGS
MAMMALS
MICROSCOPY
ORGANS
RATS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RETENTION
RODENTS
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
VERTEBRATES