title: Characterization and biological effect of Buenos Aires urban air particles on mice lungs.
abstract: Exposure to increased levels of ambient air particulate matter (PM) is associated with increased cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality. Its association with adverse health effects and the still unclear mechanisms of action are of concern worldwide. Our objective was to analyze air PM from downtown Buenos Aires (UAP-BA), and evaluate its biological impact on normal airways. We studied the inflammatory response to intranasal instillation of UAP-BA in a short-term-exposure mouse model. We analyzed UAP-BA morphology by scanning electron microscopy and characterized particle chemical composition by energy dispersive X-ray analysis and capillary gas chromatography. We evaluated lung changes by histomorphometry and histochemical methods. Regarding size, surface area and distribution, UAP-BA proved to be small spherical ultrafine particles: free, in clusters and associated to a matrix. The particles contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls and almost no metal traces. Histologically, UAP-BA induced the recruitment of phagocytes, a reduction in air spaces, an increase in mucous PAS positive cells and weak incomplete elastic fiber network. Our results demonstrate that UAP-BA causes adverse biological effects on the respiratory tract generating inflammation that, in turn, may cause tissue injury or organ dysfunction and may contribute to the pathogenesis of lung diseases.
authors.affiliation: School of Science and Technology, National University of General San Martín, Alem 3901, 1653 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Susana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dawidowski
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mandalunis
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cereceda-Balic
authors.forename: Deborah Ruth
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Tasat
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000397:Air Pollution; D000818:Animals; D001118:Argentina; D001681:Biological Assay; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D023421:Models, Animal; D010316:Particle Size; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis*; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D011859:Radiography; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014504:Urban Health
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls