Rabbit alveolar macrophages after inhalation of hexa- and trivalent chromium

Rabbits inhaled aerosols of hexavalent chromium (Na2CrO4) and trivalent chromium (Cr(NO3)3) at concentrations of 0.9 and 0.6 mg/m3 of the metal, respectively, for 4-6 weeks (5 days/week and 6 hr/day). Significantly more macrophages were obtained from the lungs of rabbits exposed to Cr(VI) but not from rabbits exposed to Cr(III) as compared with the controls. Macrophages from rabbits exposed to Cr(III) showed several conspicuous changes. About one-third of the macrophages contained round dark inclusions, 0.5-1.5 micron diameter, rich in chromium. Most cells had very large lysosomes which contained membranous fragments of different sizes surrounded by a more homogeneous matrix. Laminated inclusions similar to the lamellar bodies in the type II cells increased in number as did the percentage of cells with a smooth cell surface. Also macrophages from rabbits exposed to Cr(VI) showed morphological changes. The most pronounced one was enlarged lysosomes which contained short lamellae and electron-dense patchy inclusions. Only Cr(III) produced functional changes of the macrophages. The metabolic activity measured by reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium was increased and the phagocytic activity reduced.