Department of Pathology, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore

This autopsy based study was carried out on 75 smokers and 25 non-smokers belonging to Lahore. The subjects were male above the age of 25 years. Carbon deposition was studied in tracheobronchial tree of all the subjects. It was observed in 8 out of 25 non-smokers whereas none of the smokers showed carbon deposition (P<0.001). In a total of 150 sections from the standardised sites in non-smokers, 43 were positive for carbon deposition. In contrast 450 sections from the smokers were negative (P<0.001). Presence of carbon deposition in non-smokers indicates exposure of these subjects to highly polluted environment of Lahore. Absence of carbon deposition in smokers may be due to enhanced protective cough reflex and efficient mucociliary clearance in this group.

Article: Original Article

Keywords:

Respiratory System.
Thoracic Cavity.
Carbon.
Bronchi.
Trachea.
Viscera.
Smoking.
Diet.
Sex Factors.

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