Volumetric evaluation of pulmonary alveolar toxicity: the BHT model

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• AS_2_n1_89_FIL (5,5M)

Abstract

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) provides a good model of toxicity to the pulmonary alveolar epithelium of mice. The volume fraction (V_v) of each epithelial cell type is determined by volumetric analysis, using point counting on electron micrographs of mice treated with a combination of BHT and oxygen. BHT is the major influence in inducing the degeneration of type I pneumocytes, early (days 1 to 3) after its administration. These lesions in turn trigger epithelial regeneration (at days 3 to 5), effected by type II pneumocytes. The most sensitive index of epithelial modifications is found in the V_v of the intermediate type cell, which represents the transformation of type II into type I cells. Addition of a high concentration of oxygen (95%) for 24 hours does not much enhance this toxicity, but hastens epithelial regeneration by the type II pneumocyte.

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Over : Pierre R. Filion

Over : Michel G. Côté