Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that acute adverse health effects are associated with exposures to ambient airborne particles. These effects occur mostly in sensitive parts of the population such as the elderly with a compromised cardiorespiratory system. We hypothesize that ultrafine particles (particle size below 0.1 µm) are one potential source causing these effects. Such particles occur in fumes generated by heating and combustion processes and are also normal constituents of the ambient aerosol, specifically in urban areas generated from numerous sources (e.g., car exhaust, heating). In addition, a new source of exposure to particles below 100 nm in size Ð engineered nanoparticles Ð has become a cause for concern, giving rise to the emerging field of nanotoxicology (see below).

      Our studies with laboratory-generated ultrafine particles have shown that these particles have a significantly greater potency to induce inflammatory lung injury than larger-sized particles with the same chemical composition. Our studies are aimed at investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of ultrafine particle-induced lung injury as well as secondary effects on the cardiovascular system. An important component of this research is to develop rodent models with a compromised cardio-respiratory system to evaluate cellular mechanisms of effects. The translocation of inhaled nano-sized particles after deposition in the respiratory tract to other organ systems is also evaluated.

A new area of activity involves nanotoxicology, investigating the unique biokinetics and toxicological potential of engineered nanoparticles. The propensity of these particles of different shapes (e.g., spheres, tubes, rods), different chemistries (e.g., metals, semiconductors, carbon) and different surface characteristics (coating, charge, porosity) to translocate from the site of deposition in the respiratory tract to extrapulmonary organs such as heart, liver, bone marrow and brain is being studied. Examination of the influence of physicochemical properties of nanoparticles on their effects and biokinetics is the ultimate objective of these studies. Effects and underlying mechanisms of translocated nanoparticles (e.g., cellular oxidative stress) are evaluated in a multidisciplinary team approach.

Recent Publications

Ruckerl R, Phipps RP, Schneider A, Frampton M, Cyrys J, Oberdörster G, Wichmann HE, Peters A. 2007. Ultrafine particles and platelet activation in patients with coronary heart disease — results from a prospective panel study. Part Fibre Toxicol. Jan 22;4(1):1 [Epub ahead of print]

Carter JM, Corson N, Driscoll KE, Elder A, Finkelstein JN, Harkema JN, Gelein R, Wade-Mercer P, Nguyen K, Oberdörster G. 2006. A comparative dose-related response of several key pro- and antiinflammatory mediators in the lungs of rats, mice, and hamsters after subchronic inhalation of carbon black. J Occup Environ Med. Dec;48(12):1265-1278.

Elder A, Oberdörster G. 2006. Translocation and effects of ultrafine particles outside of the lung. Clin Occup Environ Med. 5(4):785-796.

Asgharian B, Price O, Oberdörster G. 2006. A modeling study of the effect of gravity on airflow distribution and particle deposition in the lung. Inhal Toxicol. Jun;18(7):473-481

Frampton MW, Stewart JC, Oberdörster G, Morrow PE, Chalupa D, Pietropaoli AP, Frasier LM, Speers DM, Cox C, Huang LS, Utell MJ. 2006. Inhalation of ultrafine particles alters blood leukocyte expression of adhesion molecules in humans. Environ Health Perspect. Jan;114(1):51-58.

Oberdörster G, Maynard A, Donaldson K, Castranova V, Fitzpatrick J, Ausman K, Carter J, Karn B, Kreyling W, Lai D, Olin S, Monteiro-Riviere N, Warheit D, Yang H; 2006. ILSI Research Foundation/Risk Science Institute Nanomaterial Toxicity Screening Working Group. Principles for characterizing the potential human health effects from exposure to nanomaterials: elements of a screening strategy. Part Fibre Toxicol. Oct 6;2:8.

Elder A, Gelein R, Finkelstein JN, Driscoll KE, Harkema J, Oberdörster G. 2005. Effects of Subchronically Inhaled Carbon Black in Three Species. I. Retention Kinetics, Lung Inflammation, and Histopathology. Toxicol Sci. Sep 21; [Epub ahead of print]

Bernstein D, Castranova V, Donaldson K, Fubini B, Hadley J, Hesterberg T, Kane A, Lai D, McConnell EE, Muhle H, Oberdörster G, Olin S, Warheit DB; 2005. ILSI Risk Science Institute Working Group. Testing of fibrous particles: short-term assays and strategies. Inhal Toxicol. Sep;17(10):497-537. No abstract available.

Elder A, Johnston C, Gelein R, Finkelstein J, Wang Z, Notter R, Oberdörster G. 2005. Lung inflammation induced by endotoxin is enhanced in rats depleted of alveolar macrophages with aerosolized clodronate. Exp Lung Res. Jul-Aug;31(6):527-546.

Oberdörster G, Oberdörster E, Oberdörster J. 2005. Invited review: Nanotechnology: an emerging discipline eolving from studies of ultrafine particles. Environ Health Perspect. 2005 Jul;113(7):823-839.

Elder AC, Gelein R, Oberdörster G, Finkelstein J, Notter R, and Wang Z. 2005. Efficient depletion of alveolar macrophages using intratracheally inhaled aerosols of liposome-encapsulated clodronate. Exp Lung Res. Mar;30(2):105-120.