The Cytotoxicity of Microglass Fibers on Alveolar Macrophages of Fischer 344 Rats Evaluated by Cell Magnetometry, Cytochemisry and Morphology

Objectives: The toxicity of microglass fibers (MG), one of the man-made mineral fibers, has not been sufficiently evaluated. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of MG in vitro. Methods: Alveolar macrophages were obtained from the bronchoalveolar lavage of male F344/N rats. The macrophages were exposed to MG at concentrations of 0, 40, 80, 160 and 320 μg/ml. The effects of MG on the macrophages were examined by cell magnetometry, LDH assay and morphological observation. Results: In the cell magnetometry experiment, a significant delay of relaxation (the reduction of remanent magnetic field strength) was observed in the cells treated with 160 and 320 μg/ml of MG in a dose-dependent manner. A significant increase in LDH release was also observed in the cells with 160 and 320 μg/ml in a dose-dependent manner. Changes in the cytoskeleton were observed after exposure to MG, by immunofluorescent microscopy using an α-tubulin antibody. Conclusions: The cytotoxicity of MG on alveolar macrophages was demonstrated with cell magnetometry. The mechanism of the toxic effects of MG was related to cytoskeleton damage.

The cytotoxicity of microglass fibers on alveolar macrophages of fischer 344 rats evaluated by cell magnetometry, cytochemisry and morphology

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>The toxicity of microglass fibers (MG), one of the man-made mineral fibers, has not been sufficiently evaluated. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of MGin vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Alveolar macrophages were obtained from the bronchoalveolar lavage of male F344/N rats. The macrophages were exposed to MG at concentrations of 0, 40, 80, 160 and 320 μg/ml. The effects of MG on the macrophages were examined by cell magnetometry, LDH assay and morphological observation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the cell magnetometry experiment, a significant delay of relaxation (the reduction of remanent magnetic field strength) was observed in the cells treated with 160 and 320 μg/ml of MG in a dose-dependent manner. A significant increase in LDH release was also observed in the cells with 160 and 320 μg/ml in a dose-dependent manner. Changes in the cytoskeleton were observed after exposure to MG by immunofluorescent microscopy using an α-tubulin antibody.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The cytotoxicity of MG on alveolar macrophages was demonstrated with cell magnetometry. The mechanism of the toxic effects of MG was related to cytoskeleton damage.</p>

Multiple chemical sensitivity and idiopathic environmental intolerance (part one)

Multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental intolerance (MCS/IEI) is a commonly used diagnostic term for a group of symptoms. These symptoms have been described and commented on for more than 15 years in the USA. Recently, it has also been observed in Japan. The main features of this syndrome are multiple symptoms involving in multiple organ systems that are precipitated by a variety of chemical substances with relapses and exacerbation under certain conditions when exposed to very low levels which do not affect the population at large. There are no laboratory markers or specific investigative findings. Although traditional medical organizations have not agreed on a definition for this syndrome due to the lack of obvious evidence to demonstrate the existence of these symptoms, it is being increasingly recognized. It constitutes an increasing percentage of the caseload at occupational/environmental medical clinics.Part one of this review article discusses pathophysiological theories, substances which cause symptoms, prevalence in the general and specific populations, past history and family history, and clinical symptoms of MCS/IEI patients.

Multiple chemical sensitivity and idiopathic environmental intolerance (part two)

Multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental intolerance (MCS/IEI) is a commonly used diagnostic term for a group of symptoms without apparent organic basis. The symptoms are characteristic of dysfunction in multiple organ systems. They wax and wane fluctuate according to exposure to low levels of chemical agents in the patient's environment, and sometimes begin after a distinct environmental change or injury such an industrial accident or chemical introduced after remodeling. Although traditional medical organizations have not agreed on a definition for this syndrome, it is being increasingly recognized and makes up an increasing percentage of the caseload at occupational/environmental medical clinics.Part two of this review article discusses diagnosis, clinical examination, long-term follow up of MCS/IEI, and the role of physicians, research on odor and treatment, diseases with similar symptoms, and further research regarding MCS/IEI patients.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (Part Two)

Multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental intolerance (MCS/IEI) is a commonly used diagnostic term for a group of symptoms without apparent organic basis. The symptoms are characteristic of dysfunction in multiple organ systems. They wax and wane fluctuate according to exposure to low levels of chemical agents in the patient’s environment, and sometimes begin after a distinct environmental change or injury such an industrial accident or chemical introduced after remodeling. Although traditional medical organizations have not agreed on a definition for this syndrome, it is being increasingly recognized and makes up an increasing percentage of the caseload at occupational/environmental medical clinics. Part two of this review article discusses diagnosis, clinical examination, long-term follow up of MCS/IEI, and the role of physicians, research on odor and treatment, diseases with similar symptoms, and further research regarding MCS/IEI patients.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (Part One)

Multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental intolerance (MCS/IEI) is a commonly used diagnostic term for a group of symptoms. These symptoms have been described and commented on for more than 15 years in the USA. Recently, it has also been observed in Japan. The main features of this syndrome are multiple symptoms involving in multiple organ systems that are precipitated by a variety of chemical substances with relapses and exacerbation under certain conditions when exposed to very low levels which do not affect the population at large. There are no laboratory markers or specific investigative findings. Although traditional medical organizations have not agreed on a definition for this syndrome due to the lack of obvious evidence to demonstrate the existence of these symptoms, it is being increasingly recognized. It constitutes an increasing percentage of the caseload at occupational/environmental medical clinics. Part one of this review article discusses pathophysiological theories, substances which cause symptoms, prevalence in the general and specific populations, past history and family history, and clinical symptoms of MCS/IEI patients.