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Cigarette smoking causes accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in alveolar septum

P W Ludwig, B A Schwartz, J R Hoidal

    The American Review of Respiratory Disease
    |June 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) accumulate in the lungs of smokers, but this accumulation is not directly linked to emphysema development. Other factors likely contribute to the pathogenesis of this lung disease.

    Area of Science:

    • Pulmonary Medicine
    • Pathology

    Background:

    • Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are implicated in emphysema pathogenesis.
    • Cigarette smoking is known to cause PMN accumulation in the lungs.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between PMN accumulation in alveolar walls and emphysema in humans and hamsters exposed to cigarette smoke.

    Main Methods:

    • Histological examination of lung sections to enumerate alveolar wall PMNs.
    • Comparison of PMN counts in non-smokers, smokers with and without emphysema, and smoke-exposed hamsters versus controls.

    Main Results:

    • Smokers had significantly higher PMN counts in alveolar walls compared to non-smokers.
    • Smoke-exposed hamsters showed increased PMN accumulation compared to unexposed hamsters.
    • PMN accumulation levels did not strongly correlate with the presence or severity of emphysema.

    Conclusions:

    • Cigarette smoking induces PMN accumulation in lung alveolar septa.
    • PMN accumulation alone may not be the primary driver for emphysema development.
    • Additional factors are likely crucial in the pathogenesis of emphysema.

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