[Gaseous aerocontaminants and phagocytic defence of the respiratory tract. Cytotoxicity of NO2, of ozone and acrolein for alveolar macrophages in gaseous phase (author's transl)].

A new method of survival in vitro of alveolar macrophages in gaseous phase, ensuring direct contact between the cells and the surrounding atmosphere may be used for the qualitative and quantitative study of the cytotoxicity of gases under controlled experimental conditions. Exposure to nitrous oxide (0.1 to 6 ppm), ozone (0.65 to 3.25 ppm) and to acrolein (4 to 35 ppm) for 30 minutes results in a significant untoward effect on the cells which is proportional to the concentration of the toxic agent. This method offers the possibility of a new approach to study of the mode of action of gaseous aerocontaminants on the respiratory tract and particularly upon phagocytic defences.