QUANTITATION OF CARCINOEMBRYONIC ANTIGEN IN THE LUNG LINING FLUID OF NORMAL SMOKERS AND NON-SMOKERS

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Abstract
Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 47 volunteers: 19 nonsmokers and 28 smokers. Total protein, albumin, IgG and A and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were measured in concentrated lavage effluent. Although a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the ratio of CEA to total protein recovered from the group of smokers was found, this increase primarily reflected the greater increase that occurred in a subgroup of 7 smokers. Increases in lavage CEA correlated weakly (P = 0.096) with smoking history in pack-years, and not at all with plasma CEA concentrations. Results regarding number of cells recovered and Ig-to-albumin concentration ratios in these subjects were similar to those reported by others. CEA was increased in lavage fluid of a subgroup of otherwise normal young smokers. CEA might serve as a useful indicator of future airway disease in certain young smokers.