Microcrystalline cellulose induces time-dependent lung functional and inflammatory changes.

Abstract

We determined whether microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a component of pharmaceutical tablets, induces pulmonary changes. In vivo [resistive and viscoelastic pressures (DeltaP(1) and DeltaP(2)), static elastance (E(L))] and in vitro [tissue resistance (R), elastance (E), and hysteresivity (eta)] lung mechanics, histology, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed 3h, 24h, and 3, 15 and 30 days after intratracheal instillation of saline (C) or MCC in BALB/c mice. DeltaP(1) increased at 3h, remaining higher than C until day 3, while E(L) and DeltaP(2) increased only at 24h. At 3 days all mechanical parameters returned to baseline. R and E increased only at 24h. MCC increased alveolar collapse and the number of neutrophils in BALF at 3h, until 3 and 15 days, respectively. At 3 days MCC migrate from the airways into the parenchyma, where they were observed until 30 days. In conclusion, microcrystalline cellulose yielded an acute and self-limited inflammation that impaired lung mechanics.

• Authors: L K S Nagato, M G F Lourenço, R A Cadete, J H P Leite-Júnior, V L G Koatz, P R M Rocco, D S Faffe, W A Zin
• Journal: Respiratory physiology & neurobiology (Respir Physiol Neurobiol) Vol. 164 Issue 3 Pg. 331-7 (Dec 31 2008) ISSN: 1569-9048 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 18782634 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Excipients
• Cellulose
• microcrystalline cellulose

Topics

• Airway Resistance (drug effects, physiology)
• Animals
• Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
• Cellulose (adverse effects)
• Excipients (adverse effects)
• Inflammation (chemically induced, physiopathology)
• Linear Models
• Lung (pathology, physiopathology)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Pulmonary Alveoli (pathology)
• Pulmonary Atelectasis (chemically induced)
• Random Allocation
• Respiratory Mechanics
• Time Factors