Fig. 7

Inflammatory responses within the lung after single CeO₂NPs and HDM exposure. Mice (n = 6 per treatment group) were exposed to CeO₂NPs at either low dose (CeLD) (75 μg/kg) or high dose (CeHD) (750 μg/kg) with and without HDM (1.25 mg/kg) for 24 h. After treatment, bronchoalveolar cells were analysed for differential immune cell content. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM % total cells counted (300–500 per animal) (a). After treatment, total lung mRNA was isolated and examined for transcript levels of the indicated inflammatory markers by RT-PCR analysis with results expressed as mean ± SEM fold over control (F.O.C.) levels (b). BAL fluid was also examined for protein levels of inflammatory cytokines by ELISA (c) and results expressed as mean ± SEM pg/ml. Statistical significance between treatments was assessed using one way ANOVA. Comparisons between particle and HDM treatments alone and control levels are represented as (* p < 0.05), while comparisons between particle + HDM combinations and HDM levels are represented as (# p < 0.05)