Lung Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolism during Epithelial Hyperplasia

Abstract

Human exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, bound to carbonaceous particulate matter, whether it be in urban or occupational environments, or as a result of cigarette smoking, are normally accompanied by inhalation of irritant gases. These air pollutants include the oxides of nitrogen, ozone and acrolein, which not only have been linked to alterations of the lung defense mechanisms responsible for the clearance of particulate matter from the respiratory tract, but also have been associated with pathologic alterations at the epithelial sites identified with the activation and detoxification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.