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Published on: January 16, 2013
Inhalation of Stachybotrys chartarum causes pulmonary arterial hypertension in mice
Eri Ochiai1, Katsuhiko Kamei, Akira Watanabe
1Department of Pathogenic Fungi, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.
Abstract:
Inhalation of Stachybotrys chartarum, a ubiquitous fungus in our living environment, has been suspected as a cause of acute idiopathic pulmonary haemorrhage in infants, but its relation to human diseases is not yet known. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of repeated intratracheal injection of the fungus into mice, paying special attention to the pulmonary vascular system. Spores of S. chartarum were injected into the trachea of mice from 6 to 18 times over 4-12 weeks, and the lungs were examined by histopathology, morphometrics and haemodynamics. When 1 x 10(4) spores/mouse were injected, histopathological examination showed the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Symmetrical thickening of the intima and media of the pulmonary arterial walls was seen after six injections over 4 weeks. Right ventricular hypertrophy was also evident after 12 injections. PAH was confirmed by the elevation of right ventricular systolic pressure (20.1 +/- 5.7 mmHg in the injected group vs. 12.0 +/- 2.4 mmHg in the control group, P < 0.01). This study showed that the inhalation of S. chartarum caused PAH in mice, suggesting a potential of S. chartarum as a cause of human health problem such as PAH.
Insights
Inhaling Stachybotrys chartarum fungus can cause pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in mice. This study suggests the fungus may be a potential cause of human health problems like PAH.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Stachybotrys chartarum is a common indoor fungus.
- Its role in human diseases, particularly pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of repeated Stachybotrys chartarum inhalation on the pulmonary vascular system in mice.
- To determine if S. chartarum exposure can induce pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Main Methods:
- Mice were repeatedly intratracheally injected with S. chartarum spores over 4-12 weeks.
- Lungs were analyzed using histopathology, morphometrics, and hemodynamic measurements.
- Pulmonary arterial pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy were assessed.
Main Results:
- Histopathology revealed the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) after S. chartarum exposure.
- Symmetrical thickening of pulmonary arterial walls and right ventricular hypertrophy were observed.
- Elevated right ventricular systolic pressure confirmed PAH in the exposed group.
Conclusions:
- Repeated inhalation of Stachybotrys chartarum causes pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in a mouse model.
- These findings suggest a potential link between S. chartarum exposure and human health issues, including PAH.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical relevance in humans.
