Dose-controlled exposure of A549 epithelial cells at the air-liquid interface to airborne ultrafine carbonaceous particles.

The geometry of commercially available perfusion chambers designed for harbouring three membrane-based cell cultures was modified for reliable and dose-controlled air-liquid interface (ALI) exposures. Confluent A549 epithelial cells grown on membranes were integrated in the chamber system and supplied with medium from the chamber bottom. Cell viability was not impaired by the conditions of ALI exposure without particles.

Instillation of six different ultrafine carbon particles indicates a surface area threshold dose for acute lung inflammation in mice.

Increased levels of particulate air pollution are associated with increased respiratory and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Some epidemiologic and toxicologic research suggests ultrafine particles (UFPs) (< 100 nm) to be more harmful per unit mass than larger particles. Our study was aimed at a quantitative comparison of acute adverse effects of different types of carbonaceous UFPs at a dose range that causes a moderate inflammatory response in lungs.

Pulmonary and systemic effects of short-term inhalation exposure to ultrafine carbon black particles.

While environmental particles are associated with mortality and morbidity related to pulmonary and cardiovascular (CV) disease, the mechanisms involved in CV health effects are not known. Changes in systemic clotting factors have been associated with pulmonary inflammation. We hypothesized that inhaled ultrafine particles result in an inflammatory response which may stimulate systemic clotting factor release.