Pulmonary Effects of Stachybotrys chartarum in Animal Studies

Abstract

Publisher Summary Stachybotrys chartarum is one of the several environmental fungi that can produce very potent toxic compounds. Animal models provide physicians and environmental scientists with useful tools for assessing risks associated with the respiratory effects of air pollutants. The animal studies to date support the view that pulmonary exposure to the spores of S. chartarum leads to hemorrhagic inflammation and impairment of growth. This has been demonstrated by increases in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of inflammatory cells, proinflammatory mediators, hemoglobin, and proteins along with changes in pulmonary surfactant. Although the earlier experiments were conducted with relatively high doses, recent findings indicate that lower doses, which appear to be closer to the concentrations encountered in indoor air, can elicit similar symptoms. The results of animal studies based on different experimental designs are difficult to compare because of many variables—including spore toxicity, viability, and content of fungal proteins in addition to species, strains, age of animals, and route of administration.