Biomaterial Database

A mathematical model of the penetration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons through the bronchial lining layer. 1987

P Gerde, and P Scholander

Department of Chemical Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.

The enhanced carcinogenicity of particle-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has previously been explained by their prolonged retention in the lung due to the slow release of these substances from their carrier particles. However, the mathematical model presented here indicates that the lipid-aqueous heterogenic structure of the bronchial lining layer (BLL) in itself may constitute the major rate-determining step in the overall transport of PAHs from carrier particles to the bronchial epithelium. Conditions within the BLL are then as important for the resulting cellular burdens of PAHs in the lung as are the properties of the carrier particles for these hydrocarbons. Thus, in addition to other vital functions in the respiratory tract, the lipids in lung surfactant can also be important in protecting the lung from the action of lipophilic carcinogens.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007700	Kinetics	The rate dynamics in chemical or physical systems.
D008051	Lipid Bilayers	Layers of lipid molecules which are two molecules thick. Bilayer systems are frequently studied as models of biological membranes.	Bilayers, Lipid,Bilayer, Lipid,Lipid Bilayer
D008055	Lipids	A generic term for fats and lipoids, the alcohol-ether-soluble constituents of protoplasm, which are insoluble in water. They comprise the fats, fatty oils, essential oils, waxes, phospholipids, glycolipids, sulfolipids, aminolipids, chromolipids (lipochromes), and fatty acids. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed)	Lipid
D008433	Mathematics	The deductive study of shape, quantity, and dependence. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th ed)	Mathematic
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D009079	Mucociliary Clearance	A non-specific host defense mechanism that removes MUCUS and other material from the LUNGS by ciliary and secretory activity of the tracheobronchial submucosal glands. It is measured in vivo as mucus transfer, ciliary beat frequency, and clearance of radioactive tracers.	Mucociliary Transport,Clearance, Mucociliary,Clearances, Mucociliary,Mucociliary Clearances,Mucociliary Transports,Transport, Mucociliary,Transports, Mucociliary
D009093	Mucus	The viscous secretion of mucous membranes. It contains mucin, white blood cells, water, inorganic salts, and exfoliated cells.
D011083	Polycyclic Compounds	Compounds which contain two or more rings in their structure.	Compounds, Polycyclic
D011663	Pulmonary Surfactants	Substances and drugs that lower the SURFACE TENSION of the mucoid layer lining the PULMONARY ALVEOLI.	Surfactants, Pulmonary,Pulmonary Surfactant,Surfactant, Pulmonary
D001822	Body Burden	The total amount of a chemical, metal or radioactive substance present at any time after absorption in the body of man or animal.	Body Burdens,Burden, Body,Burdens, Body