Low Yield of Pulmonary Surfactant in Cigarette Smokers

Abstract

A deficit in the surface-active material (surfactant) recovered after endobronchial lavage was found in cigarette smokers as compared to nonsmokers. The volume of surfactant rapidly returned to nonsmoker levels when the subjects stopped smoking. Lipid analysis of surfactant from smokers and nonsmokers revealed no qualitative difference, but the total lipid content and in particular lecithin was seven times less in smokers. This deficit of surfactant and its rapid return after cessation of smoking are compatible with the hypothesis that cigarette smoking reduces the production of surfactant or increases its removal.