Interaction of alveolar macrophages with inhaled mineral particulates

Citation
M. Dorger et F. Krombach, Interaction of alveolar macrophages with inhaled mineral particulates, J AEROSOL M, 13(4), 2000, pp. 369-380
Citations number
139
Categorie Soggetti
Envirnomentale Medicine & Public Health
Journal title
JOURNAL OF AEROSOL MEDICINE-DEPOSITION CLEARANCE AND EFFECTS IN THE LUNG
ISSN journal
08942684 → ACNP
Volume
13
Issue
4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
369 - 380
Database
ISI
SICI code
0894-2684(200024)13:4<369:IOAMWI>2.0.ZU;2-5
Abstract
Pulmonary disorders triggered by inhalation of occupational and environment al mineral particulates can be endpoints of a chronic inflammatory process in which alveolar macrophages (AMs), as a first line of defense, play a cru cial role, The biological processes involved in particulate-induced activat ion of AMs include indirect or direct interactions of particulates with the cell membrane, subsequent stimulation of signal transduction pathways, and activation of gene transcription. Depending on the nature of particulate i nvolved, particulate-induced activation of AMs has been shown to result in the release of potent mediators, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen speci es, cytokines, eicosanoids, and growth factors. The prolonged and enhanced production of such effector molecules may result in a complex cascade of ev ents that can contribute to the development of pulmonary disorders. This pa per will give a short review of the present knowledge of AM interaction wit h inhaled mineral particulates and of the possible implications these inter actions may have in the development of pulmonary disorders.