Eicosanoid production and lymphatic responsiveness in human cigarette smokers compared with non-smokers

Leg lymphatic segments were isolated from 10 patients (4 cigarette smokers and 6 non-smokers) undergoing conventional lymphography. Prostaglandin (PG) levels and PG synthesis in the lymphatics and in a variety of body fluids and the effects of eicosanoids on lymphatic contractility were determined. Leg lymphatics from 4 smokers generated less PGI(2) and contained more 8-ep i-PGF(2 alpha) when compared with leg lymphatics in 6 non-smokers. Similarl y, levels of 8-epi-PGF(2 alpha) in smokers compared with non-smokers were h igher in plasma (28.6 cf 19.7 pg/ml), leg lymph (146.7 cf 65.3 pg/ml), seru m (299.0 cf 204.1 pg/ml), and urine (473.4 cf 241.0 pg/mg creatinine). Lymp hatics from smokers also showed a higher contractile response, less C-14-ar achidonic acid conversion to PGI(2) and less PGI(2)-formation with various stimuli compared with non-smokers. Together these findings suggest that smo king induces oxidation injury, promotes altered (iso-)eicosanoid production and impacts on the function and dysfunction of peripheral lymphatics under normal circumstances and in a variety, of clinical disorders.