Abstract
ABSTRACT
Chronic lung overload may result in the development of fibrosis and of tumors in the lung parenchyma. The essential question that must be answered is whether there exists a threshold of exposure below which these effects are unlikely to occur. Both threshold and non-threshold mechanisms appear to exist for the two conditions, as illustrated by selected examples. Definition of a threshold is often driven by present analytical approaches. Mechanistic studies should not only address development of lesions, but also examine events that determine tissue recovery.
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