Body distribution of inhaled fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles in the mice.
Reducing the particle size of materials is an efficient and reliable tool for improving the bioavailability of a gene or drug delivery system. In fact, nanotechnology helps in overcoming the limitations of size and can change the outlook of the world regarding science. However, a potential harmful effect of nanomaterial on workers manufacturing nanoparticles is expected in the workplace and the lack of information regarding body distribution of inhaled nanoparticles may pose serious problem. In this study, we addressed this question by studying the body distribution of inhaled nanoparticles in mice using approximately 50-nm fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles (FMNPs) as a model of nanoparticles through nose-only exposure chamber system developed by our group. Scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) analysis revealed that the mice were exposed to FMNPs with a total particle number of 4.89 x 10(5) +/- 2.37 x 10(4)/cm(3) (low concentration) and 9.34 x 10(5) +/- 5.11 x 10(4)/cm(3) (high concentration) for 4 wk (4 h/d, 5 d/wk). The body distribution of FMNPs was examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) analysis. FMNPs were distributed in various organs, including the liver, testis, spleen, lung and brain. T2-weighted spin-echo MR images showed that FMNPs could penetrate the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Application of nanotechnologies should not produce adverse effects on human health and the environment. To predict and prevent the potential toxicity of nanomaterials, therefore, extensive studies should be performed under different routes of exposure with different sizes and shapes of nanomaterials.
Kwon
Jung-Taek
JT
Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
Hwang
Soon-Kyung
SK
Jin
Hua
H
Kim
Dae-Seong
DS
Minai-Tehrani
Arash
A
Yoon
Hee-Jeong
HJ
Choi
Mansoo
M
Yoon
Tae-Jong
TJ
Han
Duk-Young
DY
Kang
Young-Woon
YW
Yoon
Byung-Il
BI
Lee
Jin-Kyu
JK
Cho
Myung-Haing
MH
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000818:Animals; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000502:physiology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational