East Carolina University set out to elucidate the possible cardiovascular impacts that may occur after exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNP), which are currently being assessed for use in a broad range of biomedical and consumer applications including wound dressings, laundry detergents, deodorants, and clothing. Despite their seeming utility, their downstream toxicity, especially in relation to the heart upon inhalation of aerosolized particles, has not been fully studied. Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to AgNP intratracheally for 7 days before branchoalveolar lavage was performed. The Cellometer Auto X4 was used on the contents of the resulting cell pellet to ascertain total cell counts. Cell differentiation, cytokine expression, and coronary vessel reactivity were evaluated. Researchers discovered an increase in inflammation and serum cytokine release, as well as reduced coronary vessel reactivity, indicating that the nanoparticles’ possible downstream effects should be more thoroughly studied before they are widely introduced to consumers.

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