Comparison of acute oxidative stress on rat lung induced by nano and fine-scale, soluble and insoluble metal oxide particles: NiO and TiO2

The aim of the present study is to understand the association between metal ion release from nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles and induction of oxidative stress in the lung. NiO nanoparticles have cytotoxic activity through nickel ion release and subsequent oxidative stress. However, the interaction of oxidative stress and nickel ion release in vivo is still unclear. In the present study, we examined the effect of metal ion release on oxidative stress induced by NiO nanoparticles. Additionally, nano and fine TiO2 particles as insoluble particles were also examined. Rat lung was exposed to NiO and TiO2 nanoparticles by intratracheal instillation. The NiO nanoparticles released Ni2+ in dispersion. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected at 1, 24, 72 h and 1 week after instillation. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and HO-1 levels were elevated at 24 and 72 h after instillation in the animals exposed to the NiO nanoparticles. On the other hand, total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (tHODE), which is an oxidative product of linoleic acid, as well as SP-D and alpha-tochopherol levels were increased at 72 h and 1 week after instillation. Fine NiO particles, and nano and fine TiO2 particles did not show lung injury or oxidative stress from 1 h to 1 week after instillation. These results suggest that Ni2+ release is involved in the induction of oxidative stress by NiO nanoparticles in the lung. Ni2+ release from NiO nanoparticles is an important factor inoxidative stress-related toxicity, not only in vitro but also in vivo.