A quantitative ultrastructural comparison of macrophages from rats exposed to smoke derived from conventional tobacco and a tobacco substitute

Using an image analysing computer a variety of ultrastructural features from micrographs of alveolar macrophages have been quantified.Macrophages from rats exposed to smoke from conventional tobacco cigarettes, for 6 months, revealed statistically significant changes when compared to controls. The macrophages were larger, rounded with fewer pseudopodia and contained increased numbers of inclusions.There were no statistically significant changes in macrophages from rats exposed to smoke from a tobacco substitute.