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Ambient particulate matter induces relaxation of rat aortic rings in vitro

Department of Fibre and Particle Toxicology, Medical Institute of Environmental Hygiene, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Fibre and Particle Toxicology, Medical Institute of Environmental Hygiene, Aufm Hennekamp 50, Düsseldorf, 40225, Germany

G J den Hartog

A Bast

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

P JA Borm

Department of Fibre and Particle Toxicology, Medical Institute of Environmental Hygiene, Dusseldorf, Germany

Epidemiological studies have shown an association between ambient levels of particulate matter (PM) and increased mortality from cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. We hypothesised that PM, when translocated after inhalation, could affect vascular smooth muscle function. Therefore, total suspended particulate matter (TSP) was sampled and investigated for its ability to affect aortic muscle contraction. Both TSP and TSP supernatant (TSP-sup) induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of phenylephrine (PE)-precontracted aortic rings. Relaxation induced by 100 jg/ml TSP was 51.5 t 3.1% of total contraction. At 60 and 100 Hg/ ml, relaxation induced by TSP was significantly higher compared to TSP-sup. Ultrafine TiO₂, used as a model to investigate the role of ultrafine particles, did not show an effect. Soluble iron, present in TSP suspensions, seems not to be involved, as chelating with deferoxamine did not affect TSP-induced relaxation. However, TSP effects were inhibited by Trolox, suggesting a role of oxidants. Nudation of aortic rings showed that effects of TSP were only partly endothelium-dependent, while preincubation with LNAME increased TSP-induced relaxation. From these data, we conclude that both the particle core and soluble components of TSP can affect the smooth muscle function, leading to changes in the vascular contractile response.

Key Words: particulate matter • aortic rings • relaxation • cardiovascular effects

Human & Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 20, No. 5, 259-265 (2001)
DOI: 10.1191/096032701678227677


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