Effects of Tobacco Smoke on Lung Tissue as measured by Electron Spin Resonance

THE presence of free radicals in tobacco smoke has been reported already. During the course of a programme concerned with free radicals and alkylating agents in tobacco smoke it was observed that the concentration of free radicals in tobacco smoke condensate varied considerably as a function of methods used for collecting and subsequent treatment with solvents. To determine the biological effects of free radicals it became apparent that a method was needed whereby smoke could be directly applied to lung tissue without first collecting and processing the condensate. The method reported here enabled lung tissue to be directly exposed to cigarette smoke in a manner similar to normal smoking and resulted in the observation of distinct changes in the lung tissue as measured by electron spin resonance (ESR).