Title

Biochemical Defense Mechanisms Against Pulmonary Irritants

Date

1968

Index Abstract

Not Available

Photo Quality

Complete

Report Number

AMRL TR 67-212

Creator

Carson, Steven

Goldhamer, Richard E.

Corporate Author

Food and Drug Research Laboratories

Laboratory

Aerospace Medical Research Laboratories

Extent

138

Identifier

AD0680823

Access Rights

This document has been approved for public release and sale; its distribution is unlimited.

Distribution Classification

1

Contract

AF 33(615)-5309

DoD Project

7163

DoD Task

None Given

DTIC Record Exists

Yes

Distribution Change Authority Correspondence

None

Distribution Change Action Date

3/15/1969

Distribution Conflict

No

Abstract

Studies were performed in which mammalian mucociliary apparatus has been characterized under normal conditions following exposure to three irritant gases, i.e., 100 per cent oxygen, ozone(O2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Investigations were made in normal and treated animals providing physical, electrophysiological, biochemical, and morphologic data of effects due to exposure. A method for in vitro microscopic observation of viable cilia and adjacent mucus blanket has been described in terms of ciliary beat and movement of particles embedded in the mucus. In vitro volumetric estimation of mucus thickness was compared to electrical resistance measurements in the attempt to provide an in vivo method to determine mucus depth alterations in treated animals. Polarographic studies of oxygen dependent enzymes were carried out on pooled stripped epithelial tissue of untreated animals and comparison made with tissues exposed to ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Exposure to 100 per cent oxygen caused a significant but selflimiting decrease in mucus velocity and viscosity. Acute exposure to nitrogen dioxide (35 and 75 micrograms per kilogram) caused marked dose dependent changes in velocity and viscosity. Exposure to 0.5 ppm ozone for a 14 day period resulted in general mucostasis and elevated viscosity levels.

Report Availability

Full text available

Date Issued

1968-10

Provenance

RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine

Type

report

Format

1 online resource