Cell injury and inflammation caused by asbestos are critical to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis (asbestosis). Our goal in studies here was to investigate the possible modulation of asbestos-related cell death using antioxidants in both target and effector cells of asbestosis. After exposure to crocidolite asbestos at a range of concentrations (2.5-25 micrograms/cm2 dish), the viability of a normal rat lung fibroblast line (RL-82) and freshly isolated alveolar macrophages (AM) was determined by exclusion of trypan blue and nigrosin, respectively. In comparison to fibroblasts, AM were more resistant to the cytotoxic effects of asbestos. Cytotoxic concentrations of asbestos then were added to both cell types in combination with the antioxidants, superoxide dismutase (SOD), a scavenger of superoxide (O2-.), and catalase, an enzyme scavenging H2O2. Dimethylthiourea (DMTU), a scavenger of the hydroxyl radical (OH.) and deferoxamine, an iron chelator, also were evaluated in similar studies. Results showed significant dosage-dependent reduction (P less than 0.001) of asbestos-associated cell death with all agents. In contrast, asbestos-induced toxicity was not ameliorated after addition of chemically inactivated SOD and catalase or bovine serum albumin. Results above suggest asbestos-induced cell damage is mediated by active oxygen species. In this regard, the iron associated with the fiber and/or its interaction with cell membranes might be critical in driving a modified Haber-Weiss (Fenton-type) reaction resulting in production of OH(.).