Influence of pH and Src‐Family Tyrosine Kinases on Pulmonary Fibroblasts after Exposure to World Trade Center Particulate Matter

Particle matter (PM) is termed as a mixture of solid and liquid droplets found in the air. Composition and size of PM can be made up of many elements (organic chemicals, acids, metals, solids, and dust particles) while the size of particles (<10micrometers) are directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. In this study, we attempt to define the cellular environmental parameters of the alkaline World trade Center (WTC) dust and src‐ PTK production on male MRC‐5 and female WI‐38 Human Pulmonary Fibroblast. Previous MSU studies have indicated that MRC‐5 and WI‐38 fibroblasts undergo apoptosis logarithmically, show decreased membrane integrity, and may contain potential mutagenic properties in comparison to increased dust concentration exposure. By measuring pH change, we will be better able to understand the environmental cellular response in conjunction with increased exposure to WTC dust. Protein Tyrosine Kinase (PTK) and src‐ PTK production will also serve as cellular response indicators. In measuring increased production in these membrane spanning proteins, we will be able to demonstrate negative cellular response seeing as increased production of these proteins suggests a negative alteration in cell signaling events.