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Reversible impairment of the adherence of alveolar macrophages from cigarette smokers
Abstract:
The nylon fiber adherence in vitro of alveolar macrophages (AM) from cigarette smokers was uniformly decreased. The mean adherence of AM from 16 cigarette smokers was 53 +/- 3.0 per cent, compared to a mean adherence of 77.2 +/- 1.7 per cent for AM from control nonsmokers. The defect was not present after the subjects quit smoking, was not a result of factors in lavage fluids from smokers, and was not apparent in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The morphologic features of the surface of AM were examined with scanning electron microscopy to determine whether morphologic changes paralleled the decreased adherence of AM from smokers. Marked alterations in the surface of AM from cigarette smokers, which could affect the ability of AM to adhere optimally, were demonstrated before attachment to the fiber. In summary, there exists a reversible, intrinsic defect in the structure and adherence of AM from cigarette smokers that may influence their function and may accout, in part, for the increased yield of AM from the lavage fluid of cigarette smokers.
Insights
Alveolar macrophages (AM) from smokers show reduced adherence to nylon fibers due to surface alterations. This defect is reversible upon quitting smoking, impacting macrophage function.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Alveolar macrophages (AM) are crucial for lung defense.
- Cigarette smoking is known to impair immune cell function in the lungs.
- Previous studies suggest smoking affects AM behavior, but specific adherence defects require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro adherence of alveolar macrophages (AM) from cigarette smokers to nylon fibers.
- To determine if observed adherence defects are intrinsic to AM or due to lavage fluid factors.
- To explore potential morphologic changes in AM from smokers that correlate with adherence.
Main Methods:
- In vitro nylon fiber adherence assay using AM from smokers and non-smokers.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine AM surface morphology.
- Comparison of adherence in smokers, ex-smokers, and controls, and assessment of lavage fluid effects.
Main Results:
- AM from cigarette smokers exhibited significantly decreased adherence (53%) compared to non-smokers (77.2%).
- This adherence defect was reversible after smoking cessation and not attributable to lavage fluid components.
- Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant surface alterations on AM from smokers, preceding attachment.
Conclusions:
- A reversible, intrinsic defect in alveolar macrophage structure and adherence exists in cigarette smokers.
- These structural changes likely impair optimal AM adherence and may influence their lung function.
- The findings contribute to understanding smoking-related pulmonary immune dysregulation and increased AM yield in lavage.