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Respiratory Toxicology Group

Inhalation Studies

Daniel L. Morgan, Ph.D., D.A.B.T.
Daniel L. Morgan, Ph.D., D.A.B.T.
Principal Investigator



Tel (919) 541-2264
Fax (919) 541-0356
morgan3@niehs.nih.gov


P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop IF-00
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Delivery Instructions

Research Summary

The Respiratory Toxicology Group conducts studies of chemicals for which inhalation is the primary route of human exposure. These studies are designed and conducted to provide support to the National Toxicology Program(http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/) and NIEHS scientists. Inhalation studies are conducted at the NIEHS inhalation facility through an in-house research program. Research is focused on manifestations of toxicity at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels with specific studies evaluating the mechanisms of toxicity of important chemicals.

Inhalation exposure to environmental and occupational toxicants is a major contributing factor to human health problems. Exposure of laboratory animals by inhalation closely duplicates the way humans are exposed to airborne toxicants, and is essential to studying the role of chemicals in respiratory disease. Research efforts in respiratory toxicology are directed toward understanding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of toxicity of inhaled chemicals. Research activities provide support to the National Toxicology Program by evaluating inhalation dosimetry and mechanisms of toxicity for selected chemicals, and by providing quick response capability for studies requiring inhalation exposure. Additional activities include the development of inhalation exposure technology and models for investigating pulmonary disease. The Respiratory Toxicology Group provides expertise and capability for conducting inhalation exposures and pulmonary function measurements for other NIEHS scientists.

Major areas of research:

  • Inhalation exposure studies of chemicals in support of NTP and NIEHS scientists
  • Biochemical and molecular mechanisms of toxicity of inhaled environmental chemicals
  • The role of inhaled metals in environmental and occupational lung disease

Current projects:

  • Mechanisms by which artificial butter flavoring vapors cause bronchiolitis obliterans
  • Interactions between the lung and the pleura in response to inhaled metals and particulates
  • Molecular mechanisms by which carbonyl sulfide inhalation induces brain lesions in rats

Daniel L. Morgan, Ph.D., D.A.B.T, heads the Respiratory Toxicology Group within the Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology. He received his Ph.D. in pharmacology and toxicology from the University of Kansas in 1982 and is a board-certified toxicologist. He joined the NIEHS in 1985 where he has served as a project leader for National Toxicology Program inhalation studies and project officer for the NIEHS inhalation facility.

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Last Reviewed: June 05, 2007