Jiang L, Fang J, Li K, Xu X and Qiao J

J Air Waste Manag Assoc. 2020 Dec 9

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10962247.2020.1860156

Abstract

The objective of the research was to reveal the potential toxicity effects of methyl mercaptan on rat lung tissue. A dynamic exposure device and Sprague-Dawley rats were adopted. The exposure concentration of methyl mercaptan was 0.5±0.1 ppm. The exposure procedure was 6 h/day, continuing for 30 days. The routine blood levels, oxidative stress levels in serum, Immune molecule and cytokine in the serum and lung tissue were tested. Morphology injury of lung tissue was detected by Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining. Apoptosis rate of alveolar epithelial cells were determined by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay. Reduction of body weight gain were observed in male group during the exposure time, while there was no significant reduction of body weight gain in female group. Pathological findings of terminal bronchiole constriction, alveolar congestion, and erythrocyte exudation confirmed the lung to be the main target organ. An apparent pneumonocyte apoptotic effection was also observed. Oxidative stress with lipid peroxidation which affect blood antioxidant enzyme levels and induce apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells recognized as a potential mechanism leading to the terminal bronchiole constriction, alveoli congestion and exudates of erythrocyte.