Lung injury induced by butylated hydroxytoluene [BHT] in mice: light electron microscopy and DNA electrophoretic pattern study

ABSTRACT

Butylated hydroxyltoluene [BHT] is a synthetic antioxidant widely used as an additive to foods, drugs and cosmetics. Although BHT carries the designation Generally Recognized As Safe, recent studies have questioned its safety. This investigation was carried out to study the effects of different oral doses of BHT on the lung of albino mice, using light and electron microscopy and DNA Electrophoretic pattern. The results obtained showed hemorrhagic disorders and congestion of pulmonary blood vessels, vacuolization and necrosis of alveolar epithelium and damage of endothelial cells. Also cellular infiltration in some areas was observed and there was a loss of architecture of the lung and local fibrosis in some specimens. One week after withdrawal of the drug the lung architecture appeared to achieve recovery which was evident by reappearance of the usual shape of the lung alveoli