Induction of acalculous cholecystitis and pneumonitis in dogs following inhalation of constituents of cigarette smoke condensate.

In previous studies in this laboratory it was demonstrated that 1) constituents of the water-soluble phase of cigarette smoke condensate can activate Hageman-factor-dependent pathways of coagulation, fibrinolysis, and kinin generation; and 2) that in vivo activation of Hageman-factor-dependent pathways by intravenous injection of plant polyphenols in dogs and AFrican Green monkeys can induce acute acalculous cholecystitis and alveolitis. The purpose of this communication is to report that inhalation of the water-soluble, nondialyzable constituents of cigarette smoke condensate, or "tar," can activate Hageman-factor-dependent pathways in the dog and induce acute acalculous cholecystitis, pneumonitis, and the formation of thrombi in branches of pulmonary vessels.