Immunological Effect of PM2.5 on Cytokine Production in Female Wistar Rats1

ObjectiveTo investigate the immunological effect of PM2.5 on cytokine production in female Wistar rats.MethodsFemale Wistar rats were given 0.3 mg, 0.75 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg of PM2.5 per 0.5 mL saline, respectively. Saline was used as the negative control. TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the branchoalveolar lavage were measured by ELISA, and mRNA expression levels in lung tissue were detected by RT-PCR. Alveolar macrophages were collected for testing phogacytic function.ResultsExposure to PM2.5 stimulated TNF-α production in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), However, no statistically significant difference was found. No time-dependent change in TNF-α and IL-6 production was found. TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expressions were induced by PM2.5-exposure. The phagocytic rate (PR) was significantly decreased by PM2.5 treatment.ConclusionPM2.5 exposure increases inflammation response of the lung in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, tissue injury induced by PM2.5 may be related to altered production of cytokines. PM2.5 may impair the phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages.