In vitro models to study mechanisms of lung toxicity

By Ryrfeldt, A. - Cotgreave, I.A. - Moldeus, P.

Several functioning in vitro systems of varying complexity are currently in use for the study of mechanisms of lung toxicity. The isolated perfused lung is the model closest to the in vivo situation. It is a suitable model for combining metabolic and functional studies. It is, for instance, possible to relate changes in lung mechanics and lung perfusion flow to the release of various mediators during exposure of the lung to various agents. A simpler model may be constructed from lung slices which are less viable but suitable for uptake as well as metabolism studies. Specific lung cells such as Clara cells and type II pneumocytes have been isolated and cultured and are valuable tools for studies of the molecular mechanisms of lung toxicity, particularly in cases of cell-specific toxicity. There is, however, a great need to develop techniques for the isolation and culture of other types of lung cells and also to improve the culturing techniques for those already isolated.