In Vitro Toxicity and Inflammation Response Induced by Copper Nanoparticles in Rat Alveolar Macrophages

<p>Nanotechnology is a thriving industry and has the potential to benefit society in numerous ways. However not all environmental and human health concerns of nanomaterials have been addressed. Thus the purpose of this research was to investigate the toxicity and inflammation potential (using cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 as indicators) of various sized copper nanoparticles (40 60 and 80 nm) in rat alveolar macrophages. Toxicity measurements were accomplished by means of in vitro techniques and toxicity mechanisms were studied by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition cytokine measurements used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Results show copper nanoparticles as gravely toxic to rat alveolar macrophages; concentrations of only 10 μg/mL produced cell viability of less than 20 percent and membrane leakage increases of approximately 75 percent. However the copper nanoparticles did not produce a significant degree of ROS (only 2.5 fold increases). Also the toxicity showed a dose-dependent relationship but not a significant size dependency between the various sized copper nanoparticles. Finally minimal induction of cytokines occurred; however stimulation of rat alveolar macrophages by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and subsequent exposure to copper nanoparticles produced elevated levels of both cytokines.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>