Release of ATP in the lung evoked by inhalation of irritant gases in rats

Abstract

Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a contributing factor and signaling molecule of airway inflammation. This study demonstrated for the first time that the ATP release in the lung was markedly elevated after acute inhalation challenges of three common industrial air pollutants; the order of the response magnitude was chlorine > sulfur dioxide > ammonia. These findings provided new information and improved our understanding of the adverse pulmonary effects caused by accidental inhalation exposures to these irritant gases.