Human Nasal Epithelium: Characterization and Effects of in Vitro Exposure to Sulfur Dioxide

Abstract

Human nasal turbinate tissue from surgical specimens was dissected free of connective tissue, and primary epithelial cultures were established by explant techniques. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that cultured cells retained homogeneous cytoplasmic granules, tonofilaments, and desmosomes and formed a homogeneous monolayer. The epithelial cells stained positively with cytokeratin antibodies AE1, AE3, and 35BH11 but failed to stain with two other cytokeratin antibodies, AE2 and 34BE12. Staining was also positive with anti-desmoplakin I and II but negative with antivimentin (43BE8), anti-desmin, and anti-human factor VIII antibodies. Cultured cells were exposed to filtered air or sulfur dioxide at 1-5 ppm for 30-60 min. Although there was no increase in cell lysis as measured by chromium-51 release, SO2 exposure significantly inhibited [3H]leucine incorporation compared to air exposure. This effect was dependent on both SO2 concentration and exposure duration. Control experiments revealed that these SO2 effects were not caused by the [H+] load produced by SO2 exposure. Electron microscopy of cells exposed to air or SO2 did not show any significant morphological differences.

Light acclimation and HSO3 − damage on photosynthetic apparatus of three subtropical forest species

“…As a main form of SO 2 derivatives, HSO 3 -is a reductant that can accelerate oxidative process by reducing peroxidic bonds, thus producing anions and free radicals. Another subsequent product SO 3 2-can modify the cellular energy metabolism by decreasing the cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) pool which may be due to the functional changes of pyridine and flavin nucleotides (McManus et al 1989). If sulfite is not metabolized via sulfite oxidase (SO), it may be oxidized via free radical chain mechanisms.…”