Enzymes in lung lavage fluid after inhalation exposure to silica dust.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lysosomal enzyme activity were measured in lung lavage fluid of guinea pigs exposed for 3 weeks to different concentrations of silica dust. Eight weeks and later after cessation of exposure, the amounts of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, cathepsin D, acid phosphatase, and LDH were increased. It is suggested that this increase indicates cell damage to alveolar macrophages, and that the enzyme changes are of relevance to determine the risk for pulmonary fibrosis caused by airborne substances.