[Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the effect of polymetallic dust on the respiratory organs]

During the experiment on 158 white rats the mechanism of impact of lead and zinc concentrated dust on the respiratory system was studied by means of its single intratracheal administration into the lungs. The character of metabolic processes in phagocytes and the state of the most important systems of cellular energy supply were determined. The established character enabled one to detect the basic cellular impairments caused by dust effect. The major chains of dust toxic effect at the cellular and molecular level were demonstrated.