Controlled short-time terpene exposure induces an increase of the macrophages and the mast cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Eight healthy nonsmoking volunteers underwent terpene exposure (450 mg/m3 air) on 4 different occasions within a 2 week period. Total exposure time was 12 hours. Before and after the sequences of exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. Twenty hours after the exposure there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase of the alveolar cell concentration (median pre-exposure value 76 x 10(6) cells/L, post-exposure value 126 x 10(6) cells/L), predominantly due to an increment of the macrophages (from 72 x 10(6) cells/L to 121 x 10(6) cells/L). The mast cells also increased from 1/10 to 5/10 visual fields. No elevated concentrations of albumin, fibronectin, hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid), and tryptase were observed. We conclude that terpene exposure, in a concentration regarded as moderate, induces an acute alveolar cellular reaction in healthy subjects.
Department of Thoracic Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
U
U
Johard
K
K
Larsson
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A
Löf
A
A
Eklund
D000328:Adult; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D002452:Cell Count; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013548:Sweden; D013729:Terpenes / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013729:Terpenes