Authors : Samar M. Al Saggaf, Soad S. Ali, Nasra N. Ayuob, Ghada A. Abdel-Hamid and Nesreen H. Al-Jahdali
Abstract: Exposures to gasoline vapor among workers had hazards impact on pulmonary function and structure. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of outdoor exposure to gasoline vapor on trachea and lung of guinea pigs. Twenty five animals were divided into control (A) and experimental (B). The experimental group was subjected to gasoline inhalation at station for 30 (B1) and 90 (B2) days. Those exposed for 30 days were subdivided into two subgroups; one received ascorbic acid during exposure (B1a) and the other did not receive it (B1b). Trachea, using light and scanning microscope visualized shortening and even loss of cilia as well as focal epithelial desquamation resulted from exposure to gasoline vapor. Significant decrease in tracheal goblet cells occurred due to gasoline inhalation (90 days). Both mucosa and submucosa showed cellular infiltration. Exposure of lung to gasoline vapor (30 days) resulted in focal inflammatory cell infiltrate, intra-alveolar hemorrhage and focal emphysematous changes. Alveolar septum thickening and accumulation of intra-alveolar exudate was observed in 90 days exposed animals. Bronchi showed elongation of the mucosal fold, sloughing of some epithelial cells and accumulation of secretions. Inflammatory cell infiltration appeared in the wall of both bronchi and bronchioles. Animals received vitamin C during exposure to gasoline vapor had less histopathological changes in both trachea and lung. Gasoline vapor had adverse effect on histological structure of lungs and trachea, which could be partially ameliorated by vitamin C supplement.
Samar M. Al Saggaf, Soad S. Ali, Nasra N. Ayuob, Ghada A. Abdel-Hamid and Nesreen H. Al-Jahdali, 2010. Light and Scanning Microscopic Study of the Effect of Car Fuel (Gasoline) Inhalation on Guinea Pig Respiratory System at Station. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 4: 38-47.