The Effect of Viscose Rayon Fibers on Lung Function in Rats

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Abstract
Experiments have been performed to determine the effect of viscose rayon fibers upon the pulmonary mechanics of a group of rats. Daily intratracheal injection of synthetic fiber suspension for 20 days produced an increase in index of alveolar pressure and a decrease in tidal volume, respiratory rate, and minute volume. In control animals there was no significant change in pulmonary function after intratracheal injection of normal saline. Comparison of the values after the first exposure of rayon fibers with those after intra tracheal injection of histamine did not show significant difference except in higher respiratory rate after histamine. In both exposed and control groups, infection was present when the animals were killed at the end of the experiment. The significant changes in lung function in control animals with approximately the same histological findings indicated that the changes in dust-exposed animals were mostly related to the rayon fibers.

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