BACKGROUND: Silicosis is a fibronodular lung disease caused by inhalation of dust containing crystalline silica (silicon dioxide). AIM OF THE WORK: To investigate the changes in the lung alveoli after silica dust inhalation on the ultrastructural level in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult male albino rats were used and divided into 2 groups (15 animals each); the 1st group ... Read more

Inhalation of crystalline silica has long been associated with lung disease. The rate of disease progression i.e. acute, accelerated or chronic silicosis seems to depend on the rate of deposition as well as the total burden of crystalline silica in the lung. Despite intensive studies, yet little is known about the crucial cellular and molecular mechanisms that initiate and propagate ... Read more