Hamilton R D, Miiller W C, Christensen D R, Anderson R, Hesterberg T W
Mountain Technical Center Schuller International, Inc., Littleton, CO 80162-5005.
Environ Health Perspect. 1994 Oct;102 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):109-12. doi: 10.1289/ehp.94102s5109.
The use of fibrous test materials in in vivo experiments introduces a number of significant problems not associated with nonfibrous particulates. The key to all aspects of the experiment is the accurate characterization of the test material in terms of fiber length, diameter, particulate content, and chemistry. All data related to fiber properties must be collected in a statistically sound manner to eliminate potential bias. Procedures similar to those outlined by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) or the World Health Organization (WHO) must be the basis of any fiber characterization. The test material to which the animal is exposed must be processed to maximize the amount of respirable fiber and to minimize particulate content. The complex relationship among the characteristics of the test material, the properties of the delivery system, and the actual dose that reaches the target tissue in the lung makes verification of dose essential. In the case of man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF), dose verification through recovery of fiber from exposed animals is a complex task. The potential for high fiber solubility makes many of the conventional techniques for tissue preservation and digestion inappropriate. Processes based on the minimum use of aggressive chemicals, such as cold storage and low temperature ashing, are potentially useful for a wide range of inorganic fibers. Any processes used to assess fiber exposure and dose must be carefully validated to establish that the chemical and physical characteristics of the fibers have not been changed and that the dose to the target tissue is completely and accurately described.
在体内实验中使用纤维状测试材料会带来一些与非纤维状颗粒无关的重大问题。实验各方面的关键在于根据纤维长度、直径、颗粒含量和化学性质对测试材料进行准确表征。所有与纤维特性相关的数据都必须以统计学上合理的方式收集，以消除潜在偏差。类似于美国国家职业安全与健康研究所（NIOSH）或世界卫生组织（WHO）所概述的程序必须作为任何纤维表征的基础。动物所接触的测试材料必须经过处理，以最大限度地增加可吸入纤维的量并尽量减少颗粒含量。测试材料的特性、输送系统的性质以及到达肺部靶组织的实际剂量之间的复杂关系使得剂量验证至关重要。对于人造玻璃纤维（MMVF）而言，通过从暴露动物中回收纤维来进行剂量验证是一项复杂的任务。纤维高溶解性的可能性使得许多传统的组织保存和消化技术不适用。基于尽量少使用腐蚀性化学品的方法，如冷藏和低温灰化，对于广泛的无机纤维可能是有用的。用于评估纤维暴露和剂量的任何方法都必须经过仔细验证，以确定纤维的化学和物理特性未发生变化，并且对靶组织的剂量得到了完整准确的描述。
