CIGARETTE SMOKE AND SURFACTANT

The application of cigarette smoke to bronchial washings results in a reduction in the effect of surfactant with an increase in tension at the lower surface area and a decrease in tension at the expanded area. Neither the best type of commercial cigarette filters nor macrobubble water traps removed enough of the smoke to prevent this alteration of surfactant. Water traps producing bubbles less than 100[mu] in diameter reduced the smoke effects on surfactant whereas millipore filters in the range of 1[mu] eliminated it. This action of cigarette smoke was demonstrated to be comparable to that of ordinary house dust, suggesting that the alteration of surfactant may largely, if not solely, be attributable to the particulate matter in cigarette smoke. These changes markedly reduce the index of stability of the lung and, as applicable to the alveoli, tend toward the development of emphysema.