Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity and Its Components (DM and Vc) in Young, Healthy Smokers

Abstract
Pulmonary diffusing capacity [TF] and its components (DM [diffusing capacity of the membrane] and Vc [capillary blood volume]) were studied in characteristics and spirographic values. BT [back tension] was not different between the 2 groups, because the smokers were asked to stop smoking 12 h before the test. TF and DM are significantly lower in smokers than in nonsmokers (P < 0.005 and < 0.01, respectively), while Vc was not different between the 2 groups. Vc is influenced by HB CO level.