Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
03:32
A Pleural Effusion Model in Rats by Intratracheal Instillation of Polyacrylate/Nanosilica
Published on: April 12, 2019
Lung function changes in Sprague-Dawley rats after prolonged inhalation exposure to silver nanoparticles
Jae Hyuck Sung1, Jun Ho Ji, Jin Uk Yoon
1Korea Environment & Merchandise Testing Institute, Incheon, Korea.
Inhalation Toxicology
|April 30, 2008
Summary
Prolonged inhalation of silver nanoparticles in rats reduced lung function and caused inflammation, particularly in high-dose female rats. These findings suggest nanosized particles can harm lungs at lower concentrations than larger particles.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nanotechnology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in consumer products due to their antimicrobial properties.
- Increased human exposure to AgNPs necessitates understanding the health effects of prolonged exposure.
- The impact of chronic AgNP inhalation on lung function and inflammatory responses remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of 90-day inhalation exposure to silver nanoparticles on pulmonary function and inflammatory responses in rats.
- To assess dose-dependent effects and identify potential target organs or systems.
- To compare the pulmonary toxicity of nanosized particles with submicrometer particles.
Main Methods:
- Rats were exposed to 18 nm silver nanoparticles at low, middle, and high concentrations (0.7, 1.4, 2.9 x 10^6 particles/cm^3) for 6 hours/day over 90 days.
- Lung function parameters (tidal volume, minute volume) were measured weekly.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was analyzed for cellular counts and inflammatory markers (albumin, LDH, total protein).
- Histopathological examination of lung tissues was performed.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant decrease in tidal volume and minute volume was observed during the 90-day exposure period.
- Inflammatory markers in BAL fluid increased in high-dose female rats.
- Histopathology revealed dose-dependent lesions, including chronic alveolar inflammation and granulomas.
- No significant differences in cellular differential counts were found.
Conclusions:
- Inhalation of silver nanoparticles for 90 days can induce significant lung function changes, including decreased tidal and minute volumes.
- Nanosized particle inhalation exposure can lead to pulmonary inflammation and tissue damage at lower mass dose concentrations compared to submicrometer particles.
- These findings highlight the potential risks associated with chronic exposure to silver nanoparticles and underscore the need for further toxicological assessment.
