Discussion on smoke and mucociliary transport.

While the acute cilio-inhibitory action of tobacco smoke is no longer to be proved, the relative importance of the various components involved in such an effect still remains a subject for discussion. We have tried to determine the relative part played by the main compounds of the gaseous and particulate phases taking into account, on the one hand, the dilution factor occurring in the smoker during inhalation, and, on the other hand, the reversibility of the phenomena. Moreover, we have tried to specify the effect of the ciliary inhibition on the mucus rate of transport. Finally, among the possible mechanisms of action, we have examined the influence of the blockage of sulfhydryl groups in the cilio-inhibition induced by tobacco smoke.