Effect of Air Pollutants on Ciliated Mucus-Secreting Epithelium2

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Abstract
The physiologic activity of the respiratory epithelium is adversely affected by chemical agents in polluted urban atmosphere. This is manifested by a slowing of the flow of the mucous stream, alteration in the physical properties of the mucus, and changes in ciliary activity. The response may be quantitated by measuring the flow rate of particles of isolated strips of ciliated mucus-secreting epithelium. While quantitative differences exist in different species of animals, the qualitative pattern is a relatively consistent one. The impingement of chemical agents produces a more intense and longer lasting effect than does the passive flow of agents over the epithelium. The demonstration in vitro of slowing of mucous flow can be paralleled by using studies in vivo in which abnormal retention of soot can be demonstrated following exposure of intact animals to chemical agents in polluted urban atmosphere. The changes in mucous flow observed during quantitative studies are associated with histologically demonstrable changes in the epithelium. Interference with mucous flow facilitates the accumulation and retention of carcinogenic particulates, so that a biologic environment for their optimum action is created.