In vitro models of the human epithelial airway barrier to study the toxic potential of particulate matter.
BACKGROUND
Several epidemiological studies show that inhalation of particulate matter may cause increased pulmonary morbidity and mortality. Of particular interest are the ultrafine particles that are particularly toxic. In addition more and more nanoparticles are released into the environment; however, the potential health effects of these nanoparticles are yet unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To avoid particle toxicity studies with animals many cell culture models have been developed during the past years.


METHODS
This review focuses on the most commonly used in vitro epithelial airway and alveolar models to study particle-cell interactions and particle toxicity and highlights advantages and disadvantages of the different models.


CONCLUSIONS
There are many lung cell culture models but none of these models seems to be perfect. However, they might be a great tool to perform basic research or toxicity tests. The focus here is on 3D and co-culture models, which seem to be more realistic than monocultures.
Rothen-Rutishauser
Barbara
B
University of Bern, Institute of Anatomy, Division of Histology, Baltzerstrasse 2, CH-3000 Bern 9, Switzerland. rothen@ana.unibe.ch
Blank
Fabian
F
Mühlfeld
Christian
C
Gehr
Peter
P
D000826:Animal Testing Alternatives / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D018920:Coculture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000633:toxicity*; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods*
D052638:Particulate Matter