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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
06:07
Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System
Published on: October 22, 2020
Murine complement deficiency ameliorates acute cigarette smoke-induced nasal damage
Kara S Davis1, Sarah E Casey, Jennifer K Mulligan
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Summary
Cigarette smoke exposure activates the complement system, leading to nasal mucosal damage. Complement deficiency significantly reduced this damage in animal models, suggesting a protective role.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cigarette smoke is a known risk factor for chronic rhinosinusitis.
- Complement fragments are activated in human nasal mucosa, but the mechanisms are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cigarette smoke on nasal mucosa.
- To determine the role of the complement system in smoke-induced nasal damage.
Main Methods:
- In vitro exposure of human respiratory epithelial cells to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) with human serum.
- In vivo exposure of complement-deficient (C3(-/-), factor B(-/-)) and wild-type mice to cigarette smoke.
- Assessment of complement activation via ELISA and immunofluorescence.
- Histological analysis of nasal cavity damage.
Main Results:
- CSE exposure activated the complement system in vitro, with C3d deposition observed.
- Complement deficiency (C3 or factor B) significantly reduced smoke-induced histological damage in mice compared to wild-type controls.
Conclusions:
- Cigarette smoke activates the complement system in the nasal mucosa.
- Complement deficiency confers protection against cigarette smoke-induced mucosal damage.
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