Acrolein: a respiratory toxin that suppresses pulmonary host defense.
Acrolein is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that is known to cause respiratory tract injury and suppression of pulmonary host defense against infections in animal models. The mechanisms of acrolein-induced suppression of pulmonary host defense are not well understood. It has been generally believed that epithelial injury is responsible for the acrolein-caused decrease in resistance to infection. Emerging evidence suggests, however, that the alveolar macrophage is also a key target for acrolein-induced suppression of pulmonary host defense. It is likely that the combination of epithelial cell injury and inhibition of macrophage function may be responsible for acrolein-induced suppression of pulmonary host defense. To better assess the health risk of exposure to environmental levels of acrolein, more population-based studies are needed to monitor the levels of acrolein exposure and the adverse health effects associated with such exposures.
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Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Houston Health Science 77030, USA.
Holian
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D000171:Acrolein / Q000276:immunology / Q000633:toxicity*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D011634:Public Health; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology
D000171:Acrolein