ETIOLOGY OF EMPHYSEMA

1 January 1979

journal article
research article

Vol. 15 (5) , 1015-1029

Abstract

There is now overwhelming evidence that lung destruction resulting in emphysema in humans is largely due to enzymatic action on pulmonary connective tissues, mainly elastin. These enzymes are probably derived from neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes and alveolar macrophages. Release of these enzymes is related to cigarette smoking, as shown by the distribution of the disease within the lung noted in epidemiological studies. Apart from patients with .alpha.1-antitrypsin deficiency, emphysema is a disease which could be almost entirely eliminated if the smoking habit was abandoned.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:

Familial Emphysema and Alpha₁-Antitrypsin Deficiency
New England Journal of Medicine, 1966
The Electrophoretic α;1-Globulin Pattern of Serum in α;1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation, 1963
The Collagen and Elastin Content of the Lung in Emphysema
Annals of Internal Medicine, 1961