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Epithelial morphometric alterations and mucosecretory responses in the nasal cavity of mice chronically exposed to hydrothermal emissions

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Abstract

Air pollutants (either of natural or anthropogenic origin) represent a considerable environmental risk to human health by affecting the respiratory system and causing respiratory disorders. In this study, we investigate the effects of chronic exposure to hydrothermal emissions on the nasal cavity of mice since it is the first and the most exposed region of the respiratory system. This study, carried in S. Miguel Island, Azores—Portugal, used Mus musculus as a bioindicator species. Mice were captured in an area with non-eruptive active volcanism (Furnas Village) and another area without volcanism (Rabo de Peixe, reference site). The hydrothermal emissions present at Furnas Village are characterized by the continuous release of several gases (CO2, H2S, 222Rn) along with metals (e.g. Hg, Cd, Zn, Al) and particulate matter into the environment. We test the hypothesis whether chronic exposure to this specific type of pollution causes epithelial morphometric, mucosecretory and neuronal alterations on the nasal cavity. Thickness measurements were taken in the squamous, respiratory and olfactory epithelia. The relative density of cell types (basal, support and neurons) was also assessed in the olfactory epithelium and the mucosecretory activity was determined in the lateral nasal glands, Bowman’s gland and goblet cells. Mice chronically exposed to hydrothermal emissions presented thinner olfactory epithelia and lesser mucous production, which could result in loss of olfactory capabilities as well as a decrease in the protective function provided by the mucous to the lower respiratory tract. For the first time, it is demonstrated that, in mice, this specific type of non-eruptive active volcanism causes epithelial and mucosecretory alterations, leading to the loss of olfactory capabilities.

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Data availability

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

AB/PAS:

Alcian Blue (2.5 pH)/ Periodic Acid Schiff

GEM:

Gaseous Elemental Mercury

BowGl:

Bowman’s Gland

GobCell:

Goblet Cell

H&E:

Haematoxylin and Eosin

LaNaGl:

Lateral Nasal Gland

OlfEpi:

Olfactory Epithelium

ResEpi:

Respiratory Epithelium

SquEpi:

Squamous Epithelium

VomOrg:

Vomeronasal Organ

FOI:

Functional Olfactory Index

FR:

Furnas (Figures only)

RP:

Rabo de Peixe (Figures only)

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Acknowlegements

The authors would like to thank Paulo Melo for the field assistance in the capture of Mus musculus. Ricardo Camarinho is currently supported by a Ph.D. fellowship grant (M3.1.a/F/048/2015) from Fundo Regional da Ciência (Regional Government of the Azores).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    R. Camarinho, P. V. Garcia & A. S. Rodrigues

  2. IVAR Instituto de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Portugal

    R. Camarinho & A. S. Rodrigues

  3. cE3c, Centre for ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal

    P. V. Garcia

  4. Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain

    A. Madrero Pardo

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  1. R. Camarinho
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Correspondence to A. S. Rodrigues.

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Ethical Approval

All the procedures were carried out in strict accordance with the European Convention for the protection of vertebrate animals used in experimental and other scientific purposes (ETS123), directive 2010/63/EU and Portuguese law decree (DL 113/2013), and approved by the Ethics committee of the University of Azores (project 10/2020). All efforts were made to minimize animal suffering.

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Chronic exposure to hydrothermal emissions causes epithelial and mucosecretory alterations in the nasal cavity.

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Camarinho, R., Pardo, A.M., Garcia, P.V. et al. Epithelial morphometric alterations and mucosecretory responses in the nasal cavity of mice chronically exposed to hydrothermal emissions. Environ Geochem Health 44, 2783–2797 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-021-01067-x

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