Biological effects of chrysolite after SO2 sorption. iii. effects on the biochemical components of alveolar washing.

The short-term effects of chrysotile asbestos before and after SO2 sorption are studied in the rabbit after intratracheal injection of low doses of these pollutants. Chrysotile, as well as SO2-chrysotile, induces an increase in the unsaturated fatty acid content of lung surfactant, which is similar to that observed in the respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, and an increase in the protein level of pulmonary washings which may be explained by an increase of the permeability of the blood-air barrier. These soluble proteins can interact with the surfacant and thus decrease its tensio-active properites.