The immediate effects of silicon carbide whiskers upon ciliated tracheal epithelium

Journal Article · Sun Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Environmental Research; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-9351(05)80007-6· OSTI ID:7260248

Vaughan, G L; Kennedy, J R; Trently, S A ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville (United States)

Considering the relationship between toxicity of dust and particle geometry, as exhibited by asbestos, the authors have examined short-term biological effects of SiC whiskers (SiCW) in vitro and in vivo. Cultured explants of tracheal epithelium were exposed to a range of SiCW concentrations. There were no dramatic effects on ciliary function as measured by an optical spectrum analysis system the provided discrete ciliary frequencies. Particles were swept by ciliary activity into nonciliated regions where foci of extensive cell damage and death were observed with whiskers penetrating epithelial layers into the underlying tissues. Similar necrotic foci were observed in trachae from rats exposed by intratracheal instillation to SiC whiskers in vivo.

• OSTI ID: 7260248
• Journal Information: Environmental Research; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Research; (United States) Vol. 56:2; ISSN ENVRA; ISSN 0013-9351
• 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.
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALS
BODY
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
EPITHELIUM
FIBERS
IN VITRO
IN VIVO
MAMMALS
NECROSIS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
RATS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RODENTS
SILICON CARBIDES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
TISSUES
TOXICITY
TRACHEA
VERTEBRATES