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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Methods to Evaluate Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppression of Combustible Tobacco Product Preparations
Published on: January 11, 2015
[Lung injury caused by passive smoking and its effects on cytokines in rats]
Objective:
A rat model with chronic bronchitis was replicated by passive inhalation of cigarette smoking fume to study its long-term effects on lung injury and nitric oxide (NO), interluekin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8).
Methods:
Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) and nitrogen trioxide (NO(3)) were measured with spectrophotometry in rats indicating their level of nitric oxide (NO). Levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
Levels of NO in serum, bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue in the smoking group were significantly lower than those in the normal controls (P < 0.01). But, levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were higher in the smoking group than those in the controls.
Conclusion:
Long-term passive smoking could cause injury of lung tissue to certain extent, reduction in secretion of NO in endothelial cells and damage to pulmonary vessels.
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