Potential Crosslinking Agents in Lung Tissue

Abstract

Rabbits were exposed to: air only, 1 ppM O/sub 3/ for 1 h, 1 ppM O/sub 3/ for 24 h, or 5 ppM 0/sub 3/ for 1 h (1 rabbit each). Interaction of lung tissue with ozone produced carbonyl compounds indicating structural change in tissue, as the compounds are most likely derived from lung protein. The aldehydes formed may effect cross-linking further altering tissue. Ozone affects ground substance (oxidative degradation of hyaluronic acid), which separates alveolus and capillary basement membranes, decreasing diffusion capacity. Ozone affects CO/sub 2/ diffusion capacity measurements and possibly facilitates bacterial penetration and growth.