PILOT: UK-CARES Rapid Response Mini-Grant: Stimulatory Effect of Inhaled Sulfur Dioxide on Vagal Bronchopulmonary C-fibers and Its Impacts on Lung Health

The study proposed in this mini-grant project aims to determine the response and pattern of vagal bronchopulmonary C-fiber sensory nerve to inhalation challenge of SO2 at high concentrations (500, 1000 and 2000 ppm) for a 3-min duration. Because of the strong distinct odor of SO2, a massive leak during an industrial accident can be readily detected, which will alert workers immediately to escape from the accident site and seek emergency rescue and medical attention; to simulate the actual condition of an industrial accidental exposure to SO2, these concentrations and duration are selected for the proposed study.