Abstract
For the purpose to clarify the mechanism of air pollution caused by ozone (O3), the biochemical changes of lung tissue and bronchial washing were investigated. The effects of O3 (10-20ppm) for various duration on Na+-K+, APTase activity and lipid metabolism in lung were observed, and following results were obtained:
1. Na+-KK+, ATPase activity in normal lung tissue showed 26% of total ATPase activity and decreased about one-thirds of total activity in O3 exposed lung.
2. Incorporation of 14C-palmitate into phospholipids in lung tissue was inhibited by 20ppm O3 exposure for 2 hours.
3. Lipid composition in membrane component of lung tissue showed decreased of phospholipids and increase of triglyceride fraction after O3 exposure.
4. Phospholipid, especially phosphatidyl choline, was decreased after O3 exposure in bronchial washing.
5. Lipid peroxidation measured by TBA reaction was significantly increased, especially in triglyceride fraction, after O3 exposure and inhibited following the administration of antioxidant (Vit. B2-butyrate, Vit. E).
6. Fatty acids composition of phospholipid and triglyceride fractions in lung tissue and bronchial washing were not affected O3 exposure.
In conclusion, the disturbance of lung metabolism by O3 was suggested the inhibition of phospholipids synthesis and lipid peroxidation in lung tissue.
