Local and systemic influence of toxic levels of airborne ozone on the inflammatory response in rats

Abstract

Ozone is not harmful itself; however, it directly oxidises biomolecules and produces radical-dependent cytotoxicity. Exposure to ozone is by inhalation and therefore the lungs develop the main anti-inflammatory response, while ozone has an indirect impact on the other organs. This study investigated the local and systemic effects of the ozone-associated inflammatory response.

Keywords

• ozone
• free radicals
• inflammatory response
• respiratory tract inflammation, rat