Figure 6. Apoptosis detected by TUNEL staining after 1 and 7 days treatments. TUNEL staining (A) and Electron Microscopy (B) in lungs of treated animals (d1-g1 and d7-g7): Representative micrographs showing apoptosis, detected by TUNEL staining, 1 day (d1-g1) and 7 days (d7-g7) after i.t. exposure to CdCl₂ (e1 and e7), Cd-SiNPs (f1 and f7) and SiNPs (g1 and g7). (d1 and d7) present the lung parenchyma specimens in control animals. After all treatments, TUNEL positive cells, typically characterized by chromatin condensation, were detected both in stromal and epithelial areas (e1-g1 and e7-g7), with the tendency to lessening with time. Labeled pneumocytes and macrophages were observable, with the Cd-SiNPs instillation causing the more marked apoptotic effect. (a1-c1 and a7-c7): Electron microscopy images illustrating different stages of apoptotic cell death, 1 day and 7 days-post exposure, respectively. (a1 and a7) pyknotic nuclei in early karyorhexis; (b1 and b7) manifest karyorhexis; (c1 and c7) late apoptosis characterized by apoptotic bodies presence, along with the presence of type II pneumocytes (PII) filled by intracellular surfactant-storing lamellar bodies (c7). Light microscopy scale bar: 200 microm (d1-g1 and d7-g7). Electron Microscopy original magnification: (a1 and a7) x 4400; (b1, b7 and c1) x 7000; (c7) x 3000

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An integrated in Vitro and in Vivo Testing Approach to Assess Pulmonary Toxicity of Engineered Cadmium-Doped Silica Nanoparticles

Uliana De Simone, Elisa Roda, Cinzia Signorini, Teresa Coccini

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