Effect of salbutamol on pulmonary diffusion functions in asymptomatic smokers

Pulmonary functions including transfer factor for CO and its components (TIco, Dm, Vc) were studied in 45 asymptomatic subjects (25 smokers, 20 non smokers) using single breath technique. Ventilatory functions of smokers were significantly reduced; these improved significantly after salbutamol inhalation but most still remained lower than in non smokers. VA and Dm were marginally higher while Vc was significantly reduced in smokers. Their TIco1(20) was influenced only insignificantly. However, after salbutamol, both Dm and Vc were significantly lowered, resulting in further reduction (p 0.01) of TIco120 in smokers. The effect of salbutamol in non smokers was insignificant.