Controlled short‐time terpene exposure induces an increase of the macrophages and the mast cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Eight healthy nonsmoking volunteers underwent terpene exposure (450 mg/m3 air) on 4 different occasions within a 2 week period. Total exposure time was 12 hours. Before and after the sequences of exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. Twenty hours after the exposure there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase of the alveolar cell concentration (median pre-exposure value 76 × 106 cells/L, post-exposure value 126 × 106 cells/L), predominantly due to an increment of the macrophages (from 72 × 106 cells/L to 121 × 106 cells/L). The mast cells also increased from 1/10 to 5/10 visual fields. No elevated concentrations of albumin, fibronectin, hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid), and tryptase were observed. We conclude that terpene exposure, in a concentration regarded as moderate, induces an acute alveolar cellular reaction in healthy subjects.