Comparison of the neurotoxic potency of different ultrafine particle fractions from diesel engine exhaust following direct and simulated inhalation exposure

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution and ultrafine particles (<100 nm; UFP) is linked with neurodegeneration. However, the impact of the aromatic content in fuels and the contribution of different fractions of UFP, i.e., solid UFP vs SVOC UFP, on neuronal function is unknown. We therefore studied effects on neuronal activity and viability in rat primary cortical cells exposed for up to 120 h to copper oxide particles (CuO) or UFP (solid and SVOC) emitted from a heavy-duty diesel engine fueled with petroleum diesel (A20; 20 % aromatics) or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil-type fuel (A0; 0.1 % aromatics), or solid UFP emitted from a non-road Kubota engine fueled with A20. Moreover, effects of UFP and CuO upon simulated inhalation exposure were studied by exposing an lung model (Calu-3 and THP-1 cells) for 48 h and subsequently exposing the cortical cells to the medium collected from the basal compartment of the lung model. Additionally, cell viability, cytotoxicity, barrier function, inflammation, and oxidative and cell stress were studied in the lung model after 48 h exposure to UFP and CuO. Compared to control, direct exposure to CuO and SVOC UFP decreased neuronal activity, which was partly associated with cytotoxicity. Effects on neuronal activity upon direct exposure to solid UFP were limited. A20-derived UFP (solid and SVOC) were more potent in altering neuronal function and viability than A0 counterparts. Effects on neuronal activity from simulated inhalation exposure were minor compared to direct exposures. In the lung model, CuO and A20-derived UFP increased cytokine release compared to control, whereas CuO and SVOC A20 altered gene expression indicative for oxidative stress. Our data indicate that SVOC UFP exhibit higher (neuro)toxic potency for altering neuronal activity in rat primary cortical cells than the solid fraction. Moreover, our data suggest that reducing the aromatic content in fuel decreases the (neuro)toxic potency of emitted UFP.