[Components of hair bleaches as triggers of bronchial hypersensitivity--studies using a model for occupationally-induced lung damage].

Ammonium persulfate (APS) is used as an oxidant in many industrial branches and is contained in bleaching substances used in hair cosmetic industry. In addition to skin diseases, respiratory disorders have been frequently reported. We examined whether APS can induce bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) which has to be regarded as a first step in the development of obstructive respiratory disorders. In a rabbit model we tested the influence of aerosolized APS-solutions in concentrations of 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 M (50, 5, 0,5 ppm in air) for about four hours on the contractile bronchial reaction. Exposure to APS-aerosols does not alter basal airway Resistance (RI), dynamic Elastance (Edyn), slope of inspiratory pressure generation (delta Poes/tI), arterial blood pressure and blood gases (PaO2, PaCO2). Before, after two and after four hours the influence of APS application on the bronchial reactivity to 0.2%- and 2% acetylcholine-aerosols (ACH) was tested. Exposure to an aerosol from 0.1 M APS solution, which is equivalent to a concentration of 50 ppm APS in air for two hours induces a significant increase in bronchoconstrictory responses to ACH. A nebulized 0.01 M APS solution causes an increased ACH response after four hours of exposure. However, inhalation of 0.001 M APS (0.5 ppm in air) does not alter sensitivity to ACH within four hours of exposure. In bronchoalveolar lavage an increased number of inflammatory cells was found. Our results demonstrate, aerolized APS-solutions to cause bronchial hyper-responsiveness after few hours of exposure presumably under the participation of inflammatory cells.