Effect of chronic exposure to NO2 in the developing ferret lung.
The effect of chronic exposure to low (0.5 ppm) and high (10 ppm) concentrations of NO2 on the development of the ferret lung was studied in animals exposed 4 h/day, 5 days/week from age 6 weeks through 20 weeks. Morphometric analysis showed significant changes in alveolar dimensions at both concentrations, compared to air-exposed controls. Thickened alveolar walls, increased cellularity and collagen deposition, increased lung size and the appearance of lesions indicative of oxidant damage indicate that even low concentrations of this gas during lung development may have adverse consequences for adult lung function.
Rasmussen
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Department of Community and Environmental Medicine, University of California, Irvine 92717.
McClure
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TR
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets; D008168:Lung / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide / Q000633:toxicity*
D003094:Collagen; D009585:Nitrogen Dioxide