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Pulmonary surfactant and chronic lung disease
1Department of Respiratory Physiology, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, England.
European Journal of Respiratory Diseases. Supplement
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Cigarette smoke tar reduces lung surfactant and increases lung compliance in smokers. This may explain early lung changes and increased lung compliance in young, asymptomatic smokers.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema are linked to smoking.
- Early lung damage in smokers occurs in alveoli and bronchioli, key surfactant production sites.
- Smokers show reduced extracellular surfactant in bronchial lavage fluid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between tobacco smoke tar and lung surfactant.
- To explore the effects of tar on lung compliance using an isolated rat lung model.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies examining tar-surfactant interactions.
- Isolated rat lung model to assess the impact of tobacco smoke tar on lung mechanics.
Main Results:
- Tobacco smoke tar interacts with surfactant.
- Exposure to tar in an isolated rat lung model increased lung compliance.
- A reduction in free extracellular surfactant was observed in smokers.
Conclusions:
- Tobacco smoke tar may reduce lung surfactant.
- Increased lung compliance in young smokers could be due to tar's effect on surfactant and lung tissue.
- These findings suggest a mechanism for early lung alterations caused by smoking.