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AUGMENTATION OF SULFATE ION ABSORPTION FROM THE RATE LUNG BY HEAVY METALS
Citation:
Charles, J., D. Gardner, D. Coffin, AND D. Menzel. AUGMENTATION OF SULFATE ION ABSORPTION FROM THE RATE LUNG BY HEAVY METALS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-77/086.
Description:
The effect of heavy metal cations in enhancing the absorption of sulfate ions from the airways of the rat lung was studied. The cations investigated included Cd(2+), Co(2+), Hg(2+), Ni(2+), Fe(3+), Mn(2+), and Zn(2+). The cations exhibited differing efficacies. Co(2+), Hg(2+), Cd(2+), and Ni(2+) produced maximal effect at 0.1 nmol/lung, while Fe(3+) and Zn(2+) were the least effective, reaching maximal effect at 10.0 nmol/lung. An exception was Mn(2+), which did not alter absorption. Hydrogen ion concentrations departing from physiological pH values (4.4-9.4) enhanced sulfate ion absorption. Exposure of rats to a NiCl2 aerosol of 480 micrograms of Ni/cu m for 2 hr prior to the determination of sulfate ion absorption led to a 12.0 plus or minus 2.7% enhancement of absorption. These results suggest a possible correlation between the irritant potential associated with inhalation of a specific sulfate salt and the rate at which sulfate ions are absorbed from the lung. (Copyright (c) 1977 by Academic Press, Inc.)