Objective To study the pulmonary toxicity of the multi-wall carbon nanotubes in rat.
Methods 160 Wistar rats divided into 5 groups at random and exposed to blank control, solvent control and different doses of MWCNTs (2.0, 10.0, 20.0 mg/mL)by intra-tracheal instillation once a day for 3 continuous days respectively. Rats were necrospied at 24 h, 7 d, 28 d and 90 d afterexposure. The weight of rats was weighed. The broncho-alveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was collected and analyzed; and pulmonary morphological change was observed under electron microscope. Indicators of cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, including TP, LDH, GSH and SOD in BALF were measured.
Results Results showed that the intake of water and food were decreased sharply after intratracheal instillation, especially at 24 h. The changes of weight were convalescent with time, which accord to the different doses of MWCNTs. The levels of TP and LDH in BALF were raised, while GSH and SOD levels were lowered than control significantly. The oxidative stress response and cytotoxicity tended to recover with time, too. Nucleus membrane damage, nuclear pyknosis, ring-shaped mitochondria, break of crest, and swelling of endoplasmic reticulum were found in MWCNTs-treated group.
Conclusion MWCNTs induces pulmonary toxicity in rat.
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