Saieg MA, Cury PM, Godleski JJ, Stearns R, Duarte LGP, D'Agostino L, Kahn H, Pinto EM, Mauad T, Saldiva PHN, Bernardi FDC. Differential elemental distribution of retained particles along the respiratory tract.
Inhal Toxicol 2011;
23:459-67. [PMID:
21689007 DOI:
10.3109/08958378.2011.582895]
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Abstract
CONTEXT
Prolonged exposure to ambient particles is associated with premature mortality due to cardio-respiratory diseases and lung cancer. The size and composition of these particles determine their toxicity, which is aggravated by their long-term retention in the lungs.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the elemental profile of particles retained along the bronchial tree and lymph nodes by combining laser capture microdissection (LCM) and elemental composition analysis through energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Twenty-four right lung middle lobes from autopsied cases were obtained from two cities with different pollution backgrounds. Lung samples were collected from three distinct sites within the lung at the time of autopsy: peribronchial tissue, peripheral parenchyma and hilar lymph nodes. Areas of potentially increased particle deposition were microdissected using LCM and analyzed for elemental composition through EDX "allied" with SEM.
RESULTS
Elemental analyses of the particles retained along the bronchial tree showed two groups of distribution: peribronchiolar or lymph node deposition. The elemental profile of peribronchial areas were significantly different between the two cities and were better discriminators of past air pollution exposure.
CONCLUSION
Our data suggest that particle uptake varies along the bronchial tree and human lung tissue retains particles indicative of regional air pollution background.
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