Fig. 8

Lung cytokine protein and mRNA levels at one and 28 days post-exposure to U-MWCNTs or Z-MWCNTs. a IL-6, b IL-1β, c CXCL10 and d TNF-α protein and mRNA expression. in vivo lung exposure of mice to Z-MWCNTs elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA and protein levels one day after exposure while exposure to U-MWCNTs did not. Twenty-eight days later all levels are at or below control levels with the exception of TNF-α mRNA. The numbers of animals per group at day one was: Control (3), U-MWCNT (4), Z-MWCNT (4) and at 28 days was: Control (4), U-MWCNT (5), Z-MWCNT (3). Significance is represented as * as compared to the control and # as compared to U-MWCNT, * denotes P < 0.05, ** denotes P < 0.01, and *** denotes P < 0.001