Pulmonary immune system

Haley PJ, Bice DE, Muggenburg BA, et al. 1987. Immunopathologic effects of nickel subsulfide on the primate pulmonary immune system. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 88 1-12. 

Some members of a community that were exposed to trichloroethylene along with a variety of other solvents in their drinking water complained of respiratory disorders, but the complaints could not be attributed specifically to trichloroethylene (Byers et al. 1988). This effect may have been due to immune system impairment resulting in increased susceptibility to infection. A study in mice in which inhalation exposure to trichloroethylene increased the susceptibility to pulmonary infection with Streptococcus zooepidemicus (Aranyi et al. 1986) provides evidence that trichloroethylene may result in adverse respiratory effects through effects on the immune system. 

RA alone leads to changes in cellular immunity and causes a disproportionate increase in pulmonary infection and sepsis.11 Because medications that alter the immune system are linked to an increased risk of infection, it is difficult to distinguish between an increased risk of infection secondary to RA and the medications used to treat RA. Patients and clinicians must pay close attention to signs and symptoms of infection because of this increased risk.11... 

Mitchell, L.A. et al. (2007) Pulmonary and systemic immune response to inhaled multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Toxicological Sciences, 100 (1), 203—214. 

The pulmonary lymphatic system contributes to the clearance of fluid and protein from the lung tissue interstitium and helps to prevent fluid accumulation in the lungs [108], The lymphatic endothelium allows micron-sized particles (e.g. lipoproteins, plasma proteins, bacteria and immune cells) to pass freely into the lymph fluid [103], After administration of aerosolised ultrafine particles into rats, particles were found in the alveolar walls and in pulmonary lymph nodes [135], which suggests that drainage into the lymph may contribute to the air-to-blood transport of the inhaled particles. 

Legionnaires disease is frequently characterized as an opportunistic disease, meaning that it most frequently attacks individuals who have an underlying illness or a weakened immune system. The most susceptible people include the aged, smokers, and immunosuppressed individuals. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, organ transplant patients, and individuals on corticosteroid therapy are also at elevated risk. 

Hydrophilic surfactant proteins A (SP-A) and D (SP-D), secreted by type II pneumocytes, interact specifically with a wide range of microorganisms and play important roles in the innate, natural defense system of the lung [16]. Both mRNA and protein levels of SP-A and SP-D increase dramatically in response to lung infection, injury and endotoxin challenge [17]. Type II pneumocytes also express class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), which may facilitate pulmonary immune responses [15]. 

Pang, V.F., Lambert, R.J., Felsburg, P.J., Beasley, V.R., Buck, W.B., Haschek, W.M. (1987b). Experimental T-2 toxicosis in swine following inhalation exposure effects on pulmonary and systemic immunity, and morphologic changes. Toxicol. Pathol. 15 308-19. 

Pulmonary damage develops in rodents chronically exposed to aerosols of nickel dust, NiCb, or NiO. Divalent nickel salts cause hyperglycemia, immune system effects, kidney damage, liver damage, and heart effects in experimental animals by parenteral administration. These compounds... 

The major toxicological effects of beryllium are on the lung. Acute exposure to soluble beryllium compounds (e.g., fluoride, an intermediate in the ore extraction process) irritates the entire respiratory tract, may produce acute chemical pneumonitis, and can result in fatal pulmonary edema. Hypersensitivity, which appears to be mediated by the immune system, may also occur following exposure. This means that future exposure to beryllium may produce health effects at concentrations lower than those generally associated with the effect (the individual becomes much more sensitive to beryllium). 

The immune system is characterized by a unique distribution, and many of its components are located close to the principal sites of absorption, including the gastrointestinal tract, the pulmonary tract, and the skin. Therefore, the immune system is in a position to be exposed to potentially high concentrations of drugs and chemicals. This phenomenon is especially important in hypersensitivity responses where the primary portal of entry of the hapten can determine the specific site of the reaction. 

Pang VF, Lambert RJ, Felsburg PJ, et al. (1988) Experimental T-2 toxicosis in swine, following inhalation exposure Effects on pulmonary and systemic immunity and morphological changes. Toxicologic Pathology 15 308-319. 

---