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Updated: Jun 12, 2025
Generation of Electronic Cigarette Aerosol by a Third-Generation Machine-Vaping Device: Application to Toxicological Studies
Published on: August 25, 2018
Alveolar macrophage function is impaired following inhalation of berry e-cigarette vapor
Amelia Kulle1, Ziyi Li2, Ashley Kwak1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
Abstract:
In the lower respiratory tract, the alveolar spaces are divided from the bloodstream and the external environment by only a few microns of interstitial tissue. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) defend this delicate mucosal surface from invading infections by regularly patrolling the site. AMs have three behavior modalities to achieve this goal: extending cell protrusions to probe and sample surrounding areas, squeezing the whole cell body between alveoli, and patrolling by moving the cell body around each alveolus. In this study, we found Rho GTPase, cell division control protein 42 (CDC42) expression significantly decreased after berry-flavored e-cigarette (e-cig) exposure. This shifted AM behavior from squeezing to probing. Changes in AM behavior led to a reduction in the clearance of inhaled bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings shed light on pathways involved in AM migration and highlight the harmful impact of e-cig vaping on AM function.
Insights
Berry-flavored e-cigarette exposure reduced cell division control protein 42 (CDC42) in alveolar macrophages (AMs). This impaired AM function, decreasing bacterial clearance and highlighting vaping
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are crucial for lower respiratory tract defense against pathogens.
- AMs exhibit distinct behaviors including probing, squeezing, and patrolling to maintain mucosal integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of berry-flavored e-cigarette (e-cig) exposure on AM behavior and function.
- To identify molecular pathways affected by e-cig exposure in AMs.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of the lower respiratory tract to berry-flavored e-cigarettes.
- Assessment of alveolar macrophage (AM) behavior modalities (probing, squeezing, patrolling).
- Quantification of Rho GTPase, cell division control protein 42 (CDC42) expression.
- Evaluation of bacterial clearance capacity against *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*.
Main Results:
- E-cigarette exposure significantly decreased CDC42 expression in AMs.
- AMs shifted from a 'squeezing' to a 'probing' behavior.
- Impaired AM behavior resulted in reduced clearance of inhaled *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*.
Conclusions:
- E-cigarette vaping negatively impacts AM migration and function.
- Reduced CDC42 expression is a key mechanism underlying e-cig-induced AM dysfunction.
- Findings underscore the potential respiratory health risks associated with e-cigarette use.
