Figure 4

Pulmonary cell damage as evaluated by changes in LDH activity and air/blood barrier damage was evaluated by protein in the bronchoalveloar lavage fluid of C57BL/6 mice in response aspiration of CNF, Crocidolite Asbestos or SWCNT. A: protein; B: LDH. Open columns - exposure with SWCNT (40 μg/mouse); gray columns - exposure with CNF (120 μg/mouse); black columns - exposure with crocidolite asbestos (120 μg/mouse). Mice were exposed via pharyngeal aspiration to the doses indicated. Animals were sacrificed 1, 7, and 28 days post exposure. Average control (PBS-treated mice) values for protein (mg/ml) on day 1, 7 or 28 post exposure were 0.31 ± 0.05, 0.33 ± 0.05 or 0.38 ± 0.05, respectively. Average control values for LDH (U/ml) on day 1, 7 or 28 post exposure were 25.12 ± 0.70, 26.81 ± 1.03 or 25.47 ± 1.06, respectively. Means ± SE (n = 6 mice per group). *p < 0.05 vs. control mice, ^αp < 0.05 vs. mice exposed to CNF, ^βp < 0.05 vs. mice exposed to asbestos.