Acute exposure to crotonaldehyde induces dysfunction of immune system in male Wistar rats

Abstract

-Crotonaldehyde is a ubiquitous air pollutant in the environment. It is reported to be harmful to the biosystems in vivo and in vitro. The exposure to crotonaldehyde irritates the mucous membranes and induces edema, hyperemia, cell necrosis, inflammation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome in the lungs. However, the effects of crotonaldehyde on the immune system have not been reported. In the present study, 6-8 weeks old male Wistar rats were exposed to crotonaldehyde by intratracheal instillation at doses of 4, 8, and 16 μL/kg body weight (b.w.). The general damage in the animals was investigated; the cell counting and the biochemical analysis in the peripheral blood were tested. Furthermore, we investigated the functions of alveolar macrophages (AMs), the alterations of the T-lymphocyte subsets, and the cell composition in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We found that the activities of the animals were changed after exposure to crotonaldehyde, the cellular ratios and the biochemical components in the peripheral blood were altered, the ratio of mononuclear phagocytes decreased, and the ratios of lymphocytes and granulocytes elevated significantly in BALF. Meanwhile, crotonaldehyde altered the ratio of the T-lymphocyte subsets, and the phagocytic rates and indices of AMs increased obviously. In conclusion, crotonaldehyde induces dysfunction of immune system in male Wistar rats.

Urinary Volatile Organic Compound Metabolites Are Associated with Reduced Lung Function in U.S. Children and Adolescents

“…Acute occupational exposure to crotonaldehyde may cause respiratory distress syndrome in humans [ 32 ]. In animal models, crotonaldehyde induces edema, hyperemia, cell necrosis through inflammation and oxidative stress as well as lung immunological dysfunctions [ 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Nevertheless, studies on crotonaldehydes and respiratory outcomes in general populations are lacking and there has been no investigation on children’s lung function.…”