Zhang Guoshan

A combined dynamic inhalation device designed for moxa-smoking toxicity testing.

Abstract Objective To design a combined dynamic inhalation device for testing the toxicity induced by moxa smoking. Methods The new apparatus (Patent No. 201120101911.5) includes air renewal and recycling systems, a gas generating device, a gas control unit, and a device to measure and control temperature and humidity. Sprague-dawley rats were tested for acute and sub-chronic toxicity after exposure to moxa-burning smoke. Results We found an LC 50 of 1.2 × 10 4 mg/m 3 in the acute toxicity assays. In sub-chronic toxicity tests the organ coefficients studied showed no significant differences within rats groups of the same gender after treatment with moxa smoke or a month of recovery. However, mean gray degree of lung 70 heat shock protein (HSP70) was significantly elevated in the high dose group in comparison with the low dose group ( P Conclusion These results suggest that moxa smoke had no overt toxicity in rats. This work provides evidence and reference for the design of dynamic inhalation exposure systems.