Lipoperoxidation of lung lipids in rats exposed to nitrogen dioxide.

Absorption spectra characteristic of diene conjugation and typical for peroxidized polyenoic fatty acids can be induced in rat lung lipids after the rats have been exposed to a scant amount of nitrogen dioxide (1 part per million) for 4 hours. The peroxidative changes do not occur immediately but appear to reach a maximum between 24 and 48 hours after exposure. The prooxidant effect of this atmospheric pollutant in rat lung lipids may be partially prevented by prior treatment of the animal with large doses of alpha-tocopherol.