Short-term cigarette smoke exposure potentiates endotoxin-induced pulmonary inflammation

Long-term cigarette smoke exposure is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the effects of short-term smoke inhalation are less clear, because it may adversely affect the lung only if underlying disease is present. To test this hypothesis, Syrian hamsters were passively exposed to cigarette smoke for 2 hours per day over a period of 3 days either before or after intratracheal instillation of low-dose (20 microg) Escherichia coli endotoxin. The results indicate that short-term smoke exposure can potentiate endotoxin-induced lung inflammation. They also suggest that nonsmokers with underlying lung disease may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of second-hand smoke.