The in vivo effects of glass fibres on alveolar macrophage membrane characteristics.

The effects of inhalation of fibre-glass fibres over a prolonged period on certain membrane-related characteristics of rat alveolar macrophages have been investigated. Macrophage populations varied in size from 10-40 micrometers and showed an enhanced ability to spread across a glass substrate. An increase in the percentage of cells forming EA rosettes as well as an increased avidity of Fc receptors when compared with control macrophages was observed. When macrophages from fibreglass-dusted rats were cultured in vitro with autochthonous lymphocytes, a prolonged physical interaction occurred. These observations closely parallel these made in earlier studies on animals exposed to crocidolite asbestos.