Characterization of organic dusts from the tobacco industry

E. Schachter, E. Zuskin, N. Rienzi, S. K. Goswami, V. Castranova, M. Whitmer, P. Siegel, H. Singh

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

We have previously used guinea pig tracheal rings to analyze the effect of cotton and other organic dusts on airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction. In a recent epidemiologic study we documented that workers exposed to dust in the tobacco industry developed a high frequency of respiratory symptoms and ventilatory changes similar to those of textile workers. Water soluble extract of dust obtained from samples of tobacco leaves and associated dust were prepared as a 1:10 w/v solution by the method of Sheldon. Dose related contractions of nonsensitized GPT were demonstrated using the extracts. Pharmacologic studies were performed with indomethacin, pyrilamine, atropine, NDGA, acivicin, BPB, captopril and capsaicin. We also analyzed the contractile properties of different tobacco extract fractionated by molecular weight and lipid content. We suggest that tobacco extracts cause ASM contraction by non-immunological mechanisms involving mediators.

Original languageEnglish
Pages195-196
Number of pages2
StatePublished - 1999
EventProceedings of the 1999 Beltwide Cotton Conference - Orlando, United States
Duration: 3 Jan 19997 Jan 1999

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the 1999 Beltwide Cotton Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period3/01/997/01/99

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characterization of organic dusts from the tobacco industry'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this