title: A computer model for the simulation of fiber-cell interaction in the alveolar region of the respiratory tract.
abstract: A mathematical model is presented that describes the health-endangering interaction of fibrous particles deposited in the human alveoli with alveolar fluids, cells, and tissues. As suggested by the theoretical approach, short fibers (diameter: 0.5 μm, length: 2-10 μm) are preferably ingested by alveolar macrophages and removed from the alveolar surface 10-15 days after exposure. Long (diameter: 0.5 μm, length: 10-50 μm) biopersistent fibers are not effectively cleared from the alveoli due to the repeated process of frustrated phagocytosis. Long biosoluble fibers also undergo a frustrated phagocytosis, with processes of extensive lysis leading to their significant shortening. The decrease in length causes the initiation of those clearance mechanisms that are efficient for short fibers.
authors.affiliation: Brunnleitenweg 41, A-5061 Elsbethen, Salzburg, Austria. sturm_rob@hotmail.com
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sturm
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D016208:Databases, Factual; D008175:Lung Neoplasms; D008954:Models, Biological; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D052638:Particulate Matter