Neutrophils enhance removal of ozone-injured alveolar epithelial cells in vitro

Neutrophils (PMN) in the lungs preferentially target epithelial cells damaged by ozone (O3) exposure, and help in the removal of the damaged cells and recovery of the centriacinar epithelium. The effect of PMN depends on O3 concentration. The PMN-aided epithelium cells are able to recover permeability after exposure to low levels of O3 better than after exposure to high levels. However, PMN increases the damage caused by high concentrations of O3, and decreases epithelial cell survival.