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[Effect of smoking on immune function (author's transl)].
Allergie Und Immunologie
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Smoking alters immune responses, affecting both respiratory health and systemic immunity. Allergic individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to tobacco smoke
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Toxicology
Context:
- Chronic smoking is linked to histological changes in the respiratory tract.
- Humoral and cell-mediated immunity are demonstrably altered in smokers, both locally and systemically.
- Tobacco contains antigens that elicit immune responses, including antibody production.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of smoking on human and animal immune systems.
- To explore alterations in humoral and cell-mediated immunity due to smoking.
- To assess the potential for tobacco allergy and its implications.
Summary:
- Several tobacco antigens trigger precipitating and reaginic antibodies in humans and animals.
- Smoking induces histological changes in the respiratory tract and impairs systemic humoral immunity (in vitro and in vivo).
- Cell-mediated immunity is affected both locally and systemically in smokers, with potential increased sensitivity in allergic individuals.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the immunological consequences of smoking.
- Highlights the complex relationship between smoking, respiratory health, and immune function.
- Suggests that allergic individuals may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of smoking.