Chronological assessment of asbestos exposure on cell composition in murine lung

To elucidate immune pathogenic mechanisms in asbestosis, lung and spleen lymphoid cell populations were analyzed at defined time intervals (1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 weeks during exposure and 4, 24, and 48 weeks post-exposure) in asbestos-exposed and unexposed (control) mice. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages were increased in the lung tissue histologic sections of asbestos-exposed mice compared to controls. No consistent changes were observed in percentages of lung or spleen helper, suppressor, or total lymphocyte populations after asbestos exposure. The numbers of B cells (identified by anti-IgG) in minced lung preparations of asbestos-exposed animals were increased after 12 weeks of exposure. There also was an increase in IgG production in asbestos-exposed mice after 12 weeks exposure and at 4 weeks post-exposure with a return to near baseline levels 24 and 48 weeks after initial exposure. Collectively, these studies demonstrate stimulatory effects of inhaled asbestos fibers on B cells and IgG production after 12 weeks of continuous inhalation of asbestos fibers in a dust generation chamber.