Comparative study of aerosol particles affecting rodents and humans

Abstract

In-vivo studies with animal models have been crucial in understanding the prediction pathway and effects of inhaled aerosol particles. Rodents are used to represent the human respiratory tract, however, there are distinct differences in anatomy and physiology, which affect airflow and particle deposition. By studying anatomically realistic 3D models of both rat and human nasal cavities, physical parameters, such as internal dimensions can be measured, and the particle deposition of different-sized particles can be studied. Micronsized particles are classified into low, medium, and high inertial particles based on the total deposition, sized 1, 2, and 3 µm for the rat and 2.5, 9, and 20 µm for the human model.