Aspiration pneumonia caused by fibrous material in rats

Jikken Dobutsu. Experimental Animals
|October 1, 1986
PubMed

Insights

Oral administration of carboxymethyl cellulose solution in rats led to aspiration pneumonia. Histological analysis revealed fibrous material and inflammation in the lungs, indicating a potential risk associated with this substance.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pulmonary Pathology

Background:

  • Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a common excipient.
  • Potential for aspiration of oral solutions exists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of aspiration pneumonia in rats following oral CMC administration.

Main Methods:

  • Oral gavage of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose solution in Sprague-Dawley rats.
  • Gross and histological examination of lung tissue.

Main Results:

  • Aspiration pneumonia was observed in 8 out of 60 rats.
  • Gross findings included white nodular foci in lung parenchyma.
  • Histology showed fibrous material, inflammatory cells, and granuloma formation.

Conclusions:

  • Inhaled carboxymethyl cellulose fibers from the oral solution likely caused aspiration pneumonia.
  • This highlights a potential pulmonary risk associated with oral CMC administration.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...