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.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Houston Health Science 77030, USA.
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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