Soot-exposed mononuclear cells increase inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression and protein secretion in cocultured bronchial epithelial cells.

<i>Background:</i> Soot particles are air pollutants capable of inducing airway and lung parenchymal injury. Mononuclear and bronchial epithelial cells are central to the maintenance of homeostasis and inflammation in the airways. <i>Objectives:</i> The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of mononuclear cells to the release of inflammatory mediators by bronchial epithelial cells. <i>Methods:</i> To model the in vivo situation, an in vitro system of cocultured blood monocytes and BEAS-2B cells was established in a transwell system. Blood monocytes were exposed to soot particles (FR 101) at concentrations of up to 100 μg/10<sup>6</su…