Factors affecting the distribution of tobacco smoke-induced lesions in the rodent larynx.

Tobacco smoke-induced laryngeal lesions were investigated in rats and hamsters exposed for up to 12 weeks. The distribution of epithelial hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia was non-uniform in both species. The influence of laryngeal anatomy, histology (epithelial type) and airflow, together with the characteristics of the smoke itself, on the distribution of these lesions, are discussed.