What cellular response can occur when PM10 is inhaled?

What cellular response can occur when PM10 is inhaled?

• A. White blood cells engulf particulates and may die, leading to scar tissue
• B. It has no effect on cells
• C. PM10 dissolves in plasma without any reaction
• D. It causes immediate bone growth

Answer: (A)

Inhaled PM10 triggers an immune response in the lungs. Alveolar macrophages and other white blood cells try to engulf the particles (phagocytosis). This process can stress or kill these cells, releasing inflammatory mediators and reactive species that damage surrounding lung tissue. Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to fibrosis, forming scar tissue in the lungs. This sequence—white blood cells engulfing particulates and may die, leading to scar tissue—best matches the described cellular response. PM10 does affect cells and provoke inflammation; it does not simply dissolve harmlessly in plasma, and it does not cause immediate bone growth.

Inhaled PM10 triggers an immune response in the lungs. Alveolar macrophages and other white blood cells try to engulf the particles (phagocytosis). This process can stress or kill these cells, releasing inflammatory mediators and reactive species that damage surrounding lung tissue. Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to fibrosis, forming scar tissue in the lungs. This sequence—white blood cells engulfing particulates and may die, leading to scar tissue—best matches the described cellular response.

PM10 does affect cells and provoke inflammation; it does not simply dissolve harmlessly in plasma, and it does not cause immediate bone growth.