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Increased monocyte actin polymerization in rat blood after intratracheal instillation of air pollution particles

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Adams, Rachel A.; | Al-Mosawi, Ameena | Bérubé, Kelly | Jones, Tim | Higgins, Timothy | Evans, Shelley-Ann

Affiliations: Cardiff School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK | Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK | School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Rachel A. Adams, Cardiff School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB, UK. Tel.: +44 29 20416839; Fax: +44 29 20416982; E-mail: [email protected]

Keywords: Particles, leukocyte, neutrophil, cytoskeleton, cardiovascular disease

DOI: 10.3233/BIR-14027

Journal: Biorheology, vol. 51, no. 4-5, pp. 329-338, 2014

Received 18 July 2014
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Accepted 27 September 2014
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Published: 2014
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The mechanism by which exposure increases risk is poorly understood but could involve changes in the flow properties of blood.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to assess the effect, in rats, of intratracheal instillation of particulate air pollution on leukocyte flow properties by measurement of polymorphonucleocyte (PMN) and monocyte actin polymerisation.

METHODS: Rats were exposed to particulate air pollution by intratracheal instillation of PM10. Blood was collected from test and control animals at 3 days (n=10) and 6 weeks (n=10) after dust instillation. Partial differential leukocyte counts were performed. The intracellular F-actin content of blood PMNs and monocytes was determined by staining with FITC-phalloidin and flow cytometric determination of mean florescence intensity (MFI).

RESULTS: There were no significant changes in PMN MFI (p=0.369, ANOVA) or cell counts (p=0.753, ANOVA). There was a significant increase in monocyte MFI (p=0.004, ANOVA) and a decrease in monocyte cell count (p=0.003, ANOVA) in instilled rats.

CONCLUSIONS: Intratracheal instillation of air pollution particles resulted in an increase in blood monocyte actin polymerisation, which may cause trapping of monocytes. This could be a mechanism by which exposure to air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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