Magnetometric evaluation for the toxicity of chrysotile fibers to alveolar macrophages

Asbestos, a family of fibrous silicates, causes various pulmonary diseases including lung cancer. The present report was designed to clarify the toxicity of chrysotile fibers on the alveolar macrophages in hamsters using magnetometry and enzyme release assays. Alveolar macrophages obtained from hamsters by tracheobronchial lavage and adhered to the disk in the bottom of wells were exposed to ferrosoferric oxide and chrysotile fibers. Ferrusoferric oxide particles were magnetized externally and remanent magnetic field was measured. A remarkable delay in relaxation was observed in the cells exposed to chrysotile fibers. This finding may indicate the toxicity of chrysotile fibers to alveolar macrophages.