Affiliation:
1. Sandoz Research Institute 59 Route 10 East Hanover, NJ 07936
Abstract
The pulmonary macrophage provides a critical function in the maintenance of the sterility and integrity of the lung. Inhaled particle deposited in the deep lung may interact directly with macrophages to manifest either primary cellular toxicity or secondary pulmonary damage resulting from impaired macrophage function. The advantages and disadvantages of in vitro macrophage culture systems as predictors of in vivo pulmonary toxicity are briefly described. Recommendations are presented for areas of additional research as well as effective utilization of this assay system.