US EPA

29817 

Journal Article 

Review 

Asbestos: mechanisms of toxicity and carcinogenicity in the respiratory tract 

Mossman, B; Light, W; Wei, E 

1983 

Yes 

Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology
ISSN: 0362-1642
EISSN: 1545-4304 

ANNUAL REVIEWS 

PALO ALTO 

NIOSH/00168264 

23 

ED. 

595-615 

English 

6347054 

10.1146/annurev.pa.23.040183.003115 

WOS:A1983QN05500026 

Mechanisms of asbestos (1332214) respiratory toxicity and carcinogenicity are discussed. Physicochemical properties of asbestos are summarized. Toxic effects of asbestos are considered. The occurrence of mesotheliomas in humans has usually been associated with exposure to crocidolite (12201284). Crocidolite has been implicated more often than other types of asbestos in the development of bronchogenic carcinoma in humans. The potentiating effects of exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoking on development of bronchogenic carcinoma are mentioned. It is noted that asbestos alone can induce bronchogenic carcinoma in rodents, as shown by long term inhalation studies. Cellular mechanisms of asbestos toxicity are discussed. A reaction occurring at the plasma membrane initiates the cytotoxic action of asbestos. For certain types of interactions, the degree of reactivity depends primarily on the charge of the fiber; however, dimensional characteristics have been shown to be important in activating cellular responses such as phagocytosis. It is noted that although long, thin fibers are more carcinogenic (in the induction of mesothelioma) and more cytotoxic in general to a variety of cells, there is no definitive relationship between these characteristics regarding bronchogenic carcinoma. Various cell types respond differently to asbestos; this could be related to their predilection towards transformation. Asbestos is a complete carcinogen in mesothelial cells and fibroblasts, which are the progenitors of mesotheliomas and pleural sarcomas. The role of asbestos in bronchogenic carcinoma appears to be epigenetic and is comparable to that of a classical tumor promoter after initiation of cells by certain carcinogens. The authors recommend research on preventive and therapeutic approaches to diseases due to fibrous materials, in addition to studies of etiologic mechanisms. 

Polycyclic Compounds; Asbestos; 1332-21-4; Index Medicus; Hemolysis; Animals; Cell Membrane -- physiology; Neoplasms, Experimental -- etiology; Erythrocytes -- ultrastructure; Asbestos -- analysis; Mesothelioma -- etiology; Asbestos -- adverse effects; Respiratory Tract Neoplasms -- etiology; Asbestos -- toxicity; Polycyclic Compounds -- toxicity