In vivo and in vitro methods for evaluating airways inflammation: implications for respiratory toxicology

The lung is frequently the target of injury for toxic exposures. Often these exposures lead to significant disease. Assessment of toxic exposures to the lung, however, may be made using both in vitro and in vivo methods. Recent advances in respiratory cell biology have made possible in vitro analyses of the interactions between airway cells and potential toxins. In addition, the lung can be sampled in vivo using bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage. This opens up the possibility of assessing potential toxins prior to the development of clinically significant disease. Together, these advancing methodologies promise new potential for the assessment and evaluation of toxic exposures to the lung.