How Inhaled Manganese Oxide Particles Affect the Brain
Author Information
Author(s): Elder Alison, Gelein Robert, Silva Vanessa, Feikert Tessa, Opanashuk Lisa, Carter Janet, Potter Russell, Maynard Andrew, Ito Yasuo, Finkelstein Jacob, Oberdörster Günter
Primary Institution: Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester
Hypothesis
Does inhaled poorly soluble manganese oxide translocate to the olfactory bulb in the central nervous system?
Conclusion
Inhaled manganese oxide particles can efficiently travel to the brain via the olfactory pathway, potentially causing inflammation.
Supporting Evidence
- Manganese concentrations in the olfactory bulb increased 3.5-fold after exposure.
- Inflammatory markers were significantly elevated in the olfactory bulb after manganese exposure.
- Translocation of manganese to the brain was confirmed by occluding one nostril during exposure.
Takeaway
When rats breathe in tiny manganese particles, these particles can travel to their brains through their noses, which might cause health problems.
Methodology
Rats were exposed to manganese oxide ultrafine particles through inhalation and their brain tissues were analyzed for manganese content.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of control for environmental factors during exposure.
Limitations
The study did not assess histopathologic changes in the respiratory or olfactory epithelium.
Participant Demographics
Specific pathogen-free male Fischer 344 rats, aged 3 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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