In vivo inactivation of lysozyme by ozone.

Bronchial mucus contains large quantities of the antibacterial enzyme lysozyme. Acutely exposing mice or rabbits to ozone reduced the amount of active lysozyme obtainable by bronchopulmonary lavage. The effect was proportional to ozone concentration, as well as to duration of exposure. Enzyme activity returned to normal levels during the 12 hr following exposure. Ozone (5 muliters/liter; 5 parts per million) for 3 hr reduced lysozyme levels approximately 30%. Studies of the release of lysozyme by alveolar cells support the theory that loss of activity is due to in vivo oxidation of lysozyme.