Study on Carbon Nanotubes in Rat Lungs
Author Information
Author(s): Elgrabli Dan, Floriani Magali, Abella-Gallart Steve, Meunier Laurent, Gamez Christelle, Delalain Patrice, Rogerieux Françoise, Boczkowski Jorge, Lacroix Ghislaine
Primary Institution: Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS)
Hypothesis
Can carbon nanotubes (CNT) be eliminated from the lungs and do they cross the pulmonary barrier?
Conclusion
Carbon nanotubes can be eliminated from the lungs and do not significantly cross the pulmonary barrier.
Supporting Evidence
- MWCNT were found in the lungs and lymph nodes of rats after instillation.
- 63% of the instilled MWCNT were recovered from the lungs at day 1.
- The study showed that MWCNT do not significantly cross the pulmonary barrier.
Takeaway
The study found that carbon nanotubes can stay in the lungs for a long time but can eventually be cleared out by the body.
Methodology
Rats were instilled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and their lungs were analyzed for the presence of nickel, a metal impurity in the MWCNT, over a period of 180 days.
Limitations
The detection limit for nickel may not allow for the detection of very low concentrations of MWCNT.
Participant Demographics
Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180–220 g.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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