IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVO ASSESSMENT OF THE PULMONARY TOXICITY OF CELLULOSE

The lung-damaging effect of intratracheally administered cellulose was studied by biochemical and histological methods, Cell count, protein, phospholipid, lactate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase were determi ned in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid 1, 3 and 7 days after intratrachea l instillation, Histological tests were performed after days 1, 3 and 30. In vitro, cellulose did not damage the macrophage cells. In vivo, interstitial oedema as well as the initial signs of inflammation could be detected in the lung after the first day, Inflammation after 1 wee k could be noted, partly interstitial and partly intra-alveolar and in trabronchial, In the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, protein, lactate de hydrogenase, acid phosphatase, phospholipid and cell count were enhanc ed after days 1 and 3, After 1 month, the developing bronchioalveoliti s is fibrous in character, Contrary to the in vivo study, cellulose di d not damage rat peritoneal macrophages. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, L td.