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Neutrophil activation in smokers
J E Pitzer1, G J Del Zoppo, G W Schmid-Schönbein
1Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, LaJolla 92093-0412, USA.
Biorheology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Smoking activates leukocytes, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Plasma from smokers contains transferable factors that activate neutrophils, suggesting a mechanism for smoking-related vascular damage.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Smoking and elevated leukocyte counts are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- Leukocyte activation is implicated in cardiovascular complications, with activated leukocytes observed in stroke victims.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neutrophil activation in smokers' blood and the effect of smoker's plasma on non-smoker neutrophils.
- To identify transferable factors in smoker's plasma responsible for leukocyte activation.
Main Methods:
- Assessed spontaneous superoxide and pseudopod formation in neutrophils from smokers and non-smokers.
- Evaluated neutrophil surface expression of CD18 and L-selectin.
- Incubated naive neutrophils with plasma from smokers and non-smokers.
Main Results:
- Smokers' neutrophils showed significantly elevated spontaneous superoxide and pseudopod formation.
- Plasma from smokers induced significantly higher superoxide formation, pseudopod formation, and L-selectin shedding in naive neutrophils.
- No significant difference in CD18 and L-selectin surface expression on circulating neutrophils between smokers and non-smokers.
Conclusions:
- Smoker's plasma contains transferable factors that activate leukocytes, contributing to cardiovascular disease risk.
- Activated leukocytes may be trapped in microcirculation, potentially underestimating activation in peripheral blood samples.