A procedure for study of the effects of irritant gases on the nasal mucociliary apparatus of rats
Morgan, K.T.; Jiang, X.Z.; Gross, E.A.; Patterson, D.L.
Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 6(2): 113-116
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-9756 PMID: 2934943 Document Number: 266131
In normal rats the mucus flow rates varied considerably from one area to another, but were fairly consistent between animals for each area. The flow rate ranged from 1-30 mm/min in different areas. Rats were exposed to formaldehyde (15 ppm), dimethylamine (175 ppm) and chlorine (2.5 ppm) for 6 h/d .times. 9 d. The gases inhibited mucociliary function with mucostasis being more variable in extent than ciliastasis. The distributions of areas of ciliastasis and mucostasis were generally similar, but not identical for each gas. With all 3 gases, the dorsal surface of the nose were unaffected. This procedure provides useful information on the effects of irritant gases on rat's nasal mucociliary apparatus and helps to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for nasal toxicity.