Species Differences in Inhalation Toxicology: Variations in Exposure-Dose Relationships and Macrophage Function

Respiratory Effects of Exposure to Grain Dust

“…18,19 Prolonged exposure of laboratory animals to grain dust is associated with increased numbers of macrophages in alveoli and may result in emphysema-like damage of the lung tissue. 20 Accumulation of neutrophils can lead to lung tissue damage 21 through neutrophil-released arachidonic acid metabolites, toxic oxygen metabolites, and hydrolases, all linked to local inflammatory re-sponses. 22 Sulfidoleukotrienes, important arachidonic acid metabolites, act not only as chemotactors, but also affect bronchial smooth muscle, bronchial secretion, and nerve function, and in animals produce both bronchial inflammation and airways hyperresponsiveness.…”