Chronic and acute effects of "crack" cocaine on diffusing capacity, membrane diffusion, and pulmonary capillary blood volume in the lung.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate possible alterations in the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) or its components, membrane diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DMCO) and pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc), in habitual smokers of "crack" cocaine (with or without tobacco) and following the short-term administration of inhaled cocaine base or IV cocaine HCl.


METHODS
Cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluation of DLCO and its components in smokers of cocaine alone, tobacco alone, and cocaine plus tobacco, and in nonsmokers and ex-smokers. Measurement of possible acute effects on DLCO and its components after experimental short-term administration of IV and smoked cocaine.


METHODS
University and Veterans Affairs hospital research laboratories.


METHODS
Convenience sample of habitual smokers of crack cocaine with or without tobacco and matched control nonsmokers and ex-smokers, and smokers of tobacco only.


METHODS
DLCO, DMCO, and Vc.


CONCLUSIONS
Neither habitual cocaine smoking in cross-sectional or longitudinal analysis nor the short-term administration of inhaled alkaloidal cocaine significantly affected DLCO or its component parts. In contrast, a clear cross-sectional effect of regular tobacco smoking was demonstrated.
Kleerup
Eric C
EC
Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1690, USA.
Koyal
Sankar N
SN
Marques-Magallanes
Jose A
JA
Goldman
Michael D
MD
Tashkin
Donald P
DP
D000328:Adult; D002199:Capillary Permeability / Q000187:drug effects*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016578:Crack Cocaine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity / Q000187:drug effects*; D012907:Smoking / Q000503:physiopathology
D016578:Crack Cocaine