Biochemical response of rat lung to inhaled n-hexane

Biochemical response of the rat lung to inhaled n-hexane was investigated. Dose-dependent increase in protein, lipid, sialic acid, lactate dehydrogenase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, acid and alkaline phosphatase was observed in the cell-free lavage effluent of the lungs of exposed rats compared to the control animals. This was interpreted as enhanced pulmonary secretions accompanied by increased cell damage.