Abstract
Smokers have been reported to have increased number of circulating polymorphonuclear leucocytes (neutrophils), which normally remain in circulation for a short time and manifest their functions primarily adherent to tissue surfaces, resulting in the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are hazardous for biomembranes, membrane-associated lipids and even DNA. We analysed superoxide radical (O-2(.-)) generation in neutrophils isolated from the blood of male smokers and age-matched control subjects. The O-2(.-) levels were measured in resting neutrophils as well as after activation with phorbol myristic acetate (PMA). The smokers had higher basal levers of superoxide in all three age groups i.e. 8.8 +/- 1.71, 10.65 +/- 3.26 and 8.86 +/- 2.47 (mean +/- SD) nmol/l x 10(6) cells/10 min for the age groups of 20-35, 36-51 and 52-70 years respectively, as compared to figures in non-smokers of 4.88 +/- 2.46, 2.53 +/- 0.73 and 5.53 +/- 1.8 for three age groups respectively. Conversely the O-2(.-) levels after activation with PMA were lower in smokers, i.e. 28.4 +/- 8.51, 24.8 +/- 10.46 and 19.19 +/- 3.56 nmol/l x 10(6) cells/10 min for the age groups of 20-35, 36-51 and 52-70 years respectively as compared to non-smokers with 38.79 +/- 7.24, 30.57 +/- 8.96 and 23.60 +/- 6.92 for the three age groups respectively. These results substantiate the adhesion phenomenon of neutrophils induced by different stimulants including smoking which leads to the oxidative burst. Adhesion of neutrophils to other cell surfaces, induced by smoking, may explain the higher basal levels of superoxide in smokers. Med Sci Res 26:471-473 (C) 1998 Lippincott-Raven Publishers.