Inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, as well as fibrosis in lungs induced by a type of nano-sized carbon nanotubes (single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)) have been investigated. However, studies examining the effects of SWCNTs on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) are not so numerous. We examined the effects of pulmonary exposure to SWCNTs on AHR and sought the underlying molecular mechanisms. Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups and repeatedly administered vehicle or 0.02, 0.20 and 2.00 mg kg-1 body weight SWCNTs through the intratracheal route. We found that 0.20 and ...
