The effect of metal particles from a nickel refinery dump on alveolar macrophages. Part 2—environmental exposure of rabbits

A group of New Zealand rabbits was exposed to environmental metal pollutants for 6 months via the respiratory route at the biomonitoring station near a nickel refinery dump. The count of alveolar macrophages (AM) and the lysosomal enzyme activities (acid phosphatase and β-glucuronidase) were significant reduction was found in the antibody-mediated rosette formation by AM in the exposed rabbits. In the in vitro system a dose-dependent inhibition of Fc receptor activity was detected in rabbit AM pretreated with a metal particle suspension at three concentrations (200, 400 and 600 μg ml⁻¹). The inhibitory effect of metal particle ingestion on the AM plasma membrane Fc receptor activity revealed the possible adverse effect of long-term exposure in a polluted area on the immune function of alveolar macrophages. Antibody-mediated rosette formation by AM may be a suitable assay for risk assessment of toxic pollutants in the ambient air.