Effects of aerosolized glycerol on human lung epithelial cells by air-liquid interface cloud exposure / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To investigate the cytotoxicity of glycerol aerosol on human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) by air-liquid interface exposure, aimingto provide a guidance for the application of glycerol in inhalation products and e-cigarettes. Methods A549 cells cultured at air-liquid interface condition were exposed by VITROCELL cloud exposure system. Firstly, the delivery efficiency of the system was verified by fluorescein sodium, and repeatability and difference between inserts were investigated. Then, a glycerol aerosol airliquid interface exposure test was performed, and a negative control (1% PBS) and high, medium, and low dose of glycerol(10%, 6%, and 4%) were set to examine the cell viability, LDH release, as well as the expression of IL-6. Results The exposure system delivered an accurate dose. The delivery efficiency was high, the deposition rate was 53. 4%, and the characteristic parameters such as repeatability was 14. 8% and insert-insert difference was 5. 2%. After exposure to aerosolized glycerol, there was no significant difference in cell variability, LDH release, and IL-6 expression of A549 cells compared to the negative control. Conclusions A reliable and rapid in vitro model of acute exposure model of the respiratory tract is established. A single short-term exposure to aerosolized glycerol has no significant effect on cell viability and cytotoxicity, as well as inflammatory changes.