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[Leukocyte number, protein-inhibitor, and complement in smokers]
A Nagai1, Y Ishihara, T Takizawa
1First Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical College, Japan.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Smoking increases leukocyte count, but doesn't alter differential counts or key serum proteins. This suggests the increase isn't due to complement activation or changes in anti-proteinase levels.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Context:
- Smoking is a major risk factor for respiratory diseases.
- Leukocyte count is a general indicator of inflammation.
- Understanding leukocyte behavior in smokers is crucial for disease prevention.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between smoking exposure and leukocyte count.
- To determine if smoking affects differential leukocyte counts.
- To examine changes in leukocyte-associated serum components in smokers.
Summary:
- Leukocyte counts were elevated in smokers, correlating with smoking intensity (duration and daily cigarette consumption).
- Differential leukocyte counts remained similar between smokers and non-smokers.
- Serum levels of alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 2 globulin, and complement factors were not significantly different in smokers.
- No correlation was found between neutrophils in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid.
- These results indicate that the increased leukocyte count in smokers is not linked to complement activation or altered anti-proteinase serum levels.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the inflammatory response to smoking.
- Suggests specific mechanisms are not responsible for elevated leukocytes in smokers.
- Informs future research on smoking-related respiratory conditions.