The role of nodose ganglia in the regulation of cardiovascular function following pulmonary exposure to ultrafine titanium dioxide.

The inhalation of nanosized air pollutant particles is a recognised risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, the link between occupational exposure to engineered nanoparticles and adverse cardiovascular events remains unclear. In the present study, the authors demonstrated that pulmonary exposure of rats to ultrafine titanium dioxide (UFTiO2) significantly increased heart rate and depressed diastolic function of the heart in response to isoproterenol. Moreover, pulmonary inhalation of UFTiO2 elevated mean and diastolic blood pressure in response to norepinephrine.

Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotube surface modification on bioactivity in the C57BL/6 mouse model.

The current study tests the hypothesis that multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with different surface chemistries exhibit different bioactivity profiles in vivo. In addition, the study examined the potential contribution of the NLRP3 inflammasome in MWCNT-induced lung pathology. Unmodified (BMWCNT) and MWCNT that were surface functionalised with -COOH (FMWCNT), were instilled into C57BL/6 mice.

Pulmonary exposure of rats to ultrafine titanium dioxide enhances cardiac protein phosphorylation and substance P synthesis in nodose ganglia.

The inhalation of engineered nanoparticles stimulates the development of atherosclerosis and impairs vascular function. However, the cardiac effects of inhaled engineered nanoparticles are unknown. Here, we investigate the effects of ultrafine titanium dioxide (UFTiO(2)) on the heart, and we define the possible mechanisms underlying the measured effects.