Responses of Alveolar Macrophages to Metals

Abstract

Rats were subjected to the inhalation of soluble and Insoluble aerosols of lead or nickel (PbCl2, Pb2O3, NiCl2, NiO) at concentrations near or below the levels proposed as acceptable for occupational exposures. After at least two weeks of exposure to these contaminants, the number of alveolar macrophages available as measured by a standard washing procedure was significantly increased with exposure to NiO, significantly decreased with Pb2O3, and not significantly changed with PbCl2 and NiCl2. However, the distribution of sizes of cells in a population washed out was altered with the different exposures. A marked increase in mucus in the rats exposed to NiCl2 was noted. The hïstopathological examination (light microscopy) of the lungs revealed changes after inhalation of both nickel compounds.