Magnetometric evaluation for the toxicity of silicon carbide whisker to alveolar macrophages in hamsters

Asbestos, one of the fibrous silicates, causes various pulmonary diseases including lung cancer. Since silicon carbide whisker may substitute for asbestos, the evaluation of the cytotoxicity of this whisker is desirable. This report was designed to clarify the toxicity of silicon carbide whisker to the alveolar macrophages in hamsters using magnetometry, biochemical and morphological methods. Using magnetometry, an impaired relaxation was observed in the cells exposed to silicon carbide whisker. Biochemically, the cytotoxicity of silicon carbide whisker to alveolar macrophages was shown by an increased release in LDH from cells. Morphologically, necrosis and degeneration were also demonstrated after silicon carbide whisker exposure.