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.
Schmekel
B
B
Department of Experimental and Clinical Research, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Khan
A R
AR
Linden
M
M
Wollmer
P
P
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