Recoveries of phosphatidylcholine and alveolar macrophages in lung lavage from healthy light smokers.
Twenty-one healthy volunteers, 11 light smokers and 10 non-smokers, were studied by broncho-alveolar lavage. The levels of the phosphatidylcholine (PC) in broncho-alveolar lavage were measured and used as an index of surfactant. The PC levels in broncho-alveolar lavage obtained from the smokers were significantly lower than in lavage fluid from the non-smokers. There was an inverse correlation between PC levels and cumulated tobacco smoke exposure, as estimated by the number of pack-years, and to current smoking habits as estimated by the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The number of alveolar macrophages was significantly higher in broncho-alveolar lavage obtained from smokers, and there was a significant inverse correlation between PC levels and numbers of alveolar macrophages in the lavage fluids. The potential role of alveolar macrophages in the elimination of surfactant lipids is discussed.
Department of Experimental and Clinical Research, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
B
B
Schmekel
A R
AR
Khan
M
M
Linden
P
P
Wollmer
D000328:Adult; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000166:cytology; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000032:analysis*; D012907:Smoking
D010713:Phosphatidylcholines