Impaired recovery from naphthalene-induced bronchiolar epithelial injury in mice exposed to aged and diluted sidestream cigarette smoke.

The effect of sidestream tobacco smoke combined with other pollutants is largely unknown. Previously, we found that distal airway epithelial repair was inhibited in mice exposed to sidestream tobacco smoke (TS) for 5 days followed by single exposure to naphthalene (NA), a common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon found in cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust, and pesticide formulations. The main injury target of NA is the nonciliated (Clara) bronchiolar cell.

Detection of viral infection in the respiratory tract of virus antibody free mice: advantages of high-resolution imaging for respiratory toxicology.

Using a highly sensitive membrane permeability assay, a viral infection was discovered in the lungs of virus antibody free (VAF) Swiss-Webster mice purchased for respiratory toxicology studies. The assay is based on the uptake of a charged fluorescent compound by cells lacking an intact plasma membrane. Lungs from 74% of the untreated animals from a single vendor tested positive for injury in this assay.

Gender differences in naphthalene metabolism and naphthalene-induced acute lung injury.

Humans are widely exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, commonly found in cigarette smoke and diesel exhaust. These can undergo site- and cell-specific metabolism to cytotoxic intermediates. Metabolism of naphthalene and Clara cell cytotoxicity have been extensively studied in male animals.