Ultrafine particle translocation from lungs to systemic organs

Respiratory Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Case Study

Description of Case

The study in question was conducted to determine the mechanisms by which inhaled ultrafine particles are further translated to other areas of the body. The researchers related that "Within hours after the respiratory system is exposed to UFPs, the UFPs may appear in many compartments of the body, including the liver, heart, and nervous system" (Geiser, et al., 2005). Since the means by which the particles are distributed is not entirely understood, the researchers determined to discover the specific pathways that particles take after they leave the lungs. Animal subjects (namely laboratory rats) were used to conduct the study.

Critical Evaluation of Mechanisms

The primary critique that can be developed in this type of experimentation is whether it is efficacious to relate an animal study to one conducted with animals. This particular study was backed by previous human studies which showed the migration of particles, but not the particular mechanism that caused the migration. Also, there have been many studies which have looked into how animal studies can translate to human subjects. One in particular done by Sena, et al. (2010), related that there have been many problems when trying to predict the effectiveness of animal studies when they are translated to humans, but in the case of this study it was deemed to be appropriate. Primarily because the invasive mechanism used would not be appropriate for humans, and the particular cellular mechanisms being studied were common to rat and human cells. In the case of this study the mechanisms used in the study were complete and reliable.

Recommendations

In a world in which air pollution is said to cause multiple adverse effects within the human organism, it is necessary for health professionals to understand the truth behind the claims. It is necessary that health professionals educate themselves with regard to scientific studies conducted in such matters, so that they can adequately educate patients and general members of the public. This study shows that there is basically no way for the lungs to stop the advance of ultrafine particles from lung tissue to liver, cardiac and nervous tissue; and some of these particles can be very damaging.