[Leukocyte number, protein-inhibitor, and complement in smokers].

In the present study, the number of leukocytes was increased in smokers, dependent on the amount of exposure to smoke (duration and cigarette number/day). The differential leukocyte count did not differ between smokers and non-smokers. Leucocyte-associated serum components such as alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 2 globulin, and complements did not differ in smokers. There was no relationship between neutrophils in peripheral blood and BAL fluid. These findings suggest that an increased number of leukocytes in smokers is not attributable to activation of complement, and that anti-proteinase serum levels including alpha 1-antitrypsin and alpha 2 globulin are unchanged in both smokers and ex-smokers.