14 C-1-Palmitate Incorporation by Rat Lung: Effect of Nitrogen Dioxide 1

Abstract

Summary

The effect of breathing nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) on the in vivo incorporation and turnover of ¹⁴C-1-palmitate in rat lung lecithin was studied. Continuous exposure to 5 ppm of NO₂ for 14 days markedly decreased lecithin turnover. The suggestion is made that changes in lecithin turnover may lead to alterations in the surface-active material on the alveolar surface which in turn may account for some of the damage observed in NO₂-exposed lungs.