Experimental studies on the effects of organic dust-derived agents on respiratory system: Comparison between endotoxins and glucans

The effects of biological agents associated with organic dusts (endotoxins and glucans) on alveolar macrophage function in vitro and on pulmonary response of the guinea pig were studied. The in vitro studies included measurement of cytotoxicity, bactericidal activity, superoxide anion generation, chemotaxis, and cytokine production. Pulmonary parameters monitored after inhalation exposure were breathing rate, cellular differential counts from bronchoalveolar lavage, and superoxide anion production by phagocytic cells after exposure to agents. It was found that both endotoxins and glucans developed significant effects on alveolar macrophage functions in vitro, and when inhaled caused an increase of breathing rate, influx of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and red blood cells to the lung, and enhancement of superoxide anion generation from bronchoalveolar lavage cells.