Effect of intratracheal amosite exposure on the antioxidant status of rat lung

The changes in antioxidant status of rat lung after intratracheal amosite instillation were studied and correlated with two early markers of lung injury. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed 24 hours after the exposure, the cells were counted and the lavage fluid and lung tissue were analysed and compared with the control animals. Lipid peroxides, markers of oxidative damage, were enhanced in the lung tissue but the level of antioxidant vitamins and activity of glutathione peroxidase was lowered. The amount of ascorbic acid was significantly decreased in BAL. The activity of alkaline phosphatase and the total amount of protein, two early markers of lung injury, were increased in BAL and were closely correlated with the observed changes in antioxidant status.