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In vitro models of lung toxicity
1Toxicology and Pharmacology Department, Battelle Columbus Division, Columbus, Ohio 43201.
Toxicology
|December 1, 1987
Summary
In vitro assays using lung cells like macrophages and whole-lung explants effectively screen for respiratory toxins. These methods predict pulmonary toxicity and fibrosis, aiding in risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- In vitro assays are crucial for evaluating pulmonary toxicity.
- Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) and tracheal organ cultures are established models.
- Assessing lung toxicity requires models that mimic in vivo responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight in vitro assays for pulmonary toxicity assessment.
- To emphasize the utility of PAM, tracheal organ cultures, and whole-lung explants.
- To discuss the predictive value of these models in risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing pulmonary alveolar macrophage (PAM) assays for toxicity and fibrogenicity screening.
- Employing tracheal organ cultures to assess effects on conducting airway epithelial cells.
- Developing and using whole-lung explant models to study fibrosis and toxicity from various fibrogens.
Main Results:
- PAM assays show strong correlation between macrophage toxicity and pulmonary fibrogenicity for inorganic compounds.
- Tracheal assays are effective for screening Vitamin A analogues impacting epithelial cell differentiation.
- Whole-lung explant models successfully replicate in vivo responses to toxins like bleomycin, silica, and asbestos.
Conclusions:
- Established and novel in vitro assays provide valuable insights into pulmonary toxicity.
- These models focus on critical lung components: macrophages, conducting airways, and alveolar septae.
- Continued research is expected to improve the predictive power of these assays for risk assessment.