[Comparison of toxic effects of brucite and aluminium-treated chrysotile on macrophage]

Toxicity of brucite and two kinds of chrysotile (Xinkang and Sichuan chrysotile) treated with aluminium chloride to alveolar macrophage from guinea pigs was compared in vitro. Results showed changes of toxicity, indicated as generation of O2-., increase in membrane lipid fluidity and leakage of intracellular potassium, etc., caused by aluminium-treated chrysotile, were significantly lower than those by bructite of same dose (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), and changes of other toxic indicators, such as release of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and acid phosphatase (ACP) from macrophage and its mortality, were similar to those by brucite. It suggests aluminium chloride can be used to antagonize pathogenic bioactivity of chrysotile in practice.