Effect of arsenic, antimony, and coal fly ash on the cellular functions of rat bronchoalveolar macrophages

摘要

Human exposure to arsenic (As) compounds through contact with natural sources, ingestion of food and water, or exposure to anthropogenic contaminants, is a worldwide concern. Adverse effects associated with As exposure include skin lesions, vascular diseases, diabetes, reproductive and developmental defects, respiratory diseases and cancers. Low-dose As has also been shown to compromise immune response in species ranging from zebra fish (Hermann & Kim, 2005) to mice (Kozul et al., 2009). When the source of contamination involved geological erosion, mine tailing, combustion emission, or industrial waste the presence of As is often accompanied by that of antimony (Sb). A coal fly ash reference material, for example, contains 145 mg/kg As and 6.8 mg/kg Sb (NBS, 1985). Bronchoalveolar macrophages (BM) are closely involved in the host defense through their antimicrobial activities and modulating effects on immune and inflammatory responses. They are also among the first cells to be in contact with inhaled pollutants. In this report the effects of As, Sb and coal fly ash on the cellular functions of freshly isolated rat BM are described.