For Immediate Release
Callback:
Chris Shepherd
American Thoracic Society
212 315-6440
CRACK COAINE AND MARIJUANA MAY DAMAGE LUNG IMMUNE SYSTEM MORE THAN TOBACCO
A new study shows that smoking crack cocaine and marijuana can damage the lung's immune system more than smoking cigarettes.
The study, conducted by Dr. Michael Roth and colleagues at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine, examined the effects of the three drugs--marijuana, cocaine, and tobacco--on host defenses within the lung. Specifically, they gauged the impact of these drugs on the immune function of alveolar macrophages. Through a process called phagocytosis (FAG-O-SIGH-TOE-SIS), alveolar macrophages ingest and destroy bacteria in the lung.
Participating in the study were 22 nonsmokers, 11 tobacco, 10 marijuana, and 13 cocaine smokers, all of whom were habitual and heavy users. Results of the new study showed a 60 percent reduction in intracellular killing of bacteria in marijuana and cocaine users, but not tobacco smokers. Investigators repored that their findings demonstrate that regular inhalation of marijuana and cocaine, but not tobacco, dramatically alters the immune function of alveolar macrophages. They added that the "ultimate outcome of these effects may be enhanced susceptibility to infectious diseases, cancer, and AIDS in both marijuana and cocaine users."
The study appeared in the most recent issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine which is published by the American Thoracic Society (ATS). The ATS is a scientific and medical professional society comprised of pulmonary and critical care physicians. It also serves as the Medical Committee of the American Lung Association.
Investigator contact for the study:
Michael D. Roth, M.D.
Tel: 310 206-7389.
For the complete text of the journal article, you may call Christina Shepherd, ATS, at 212 315-6440 or fax your request to her at 212 315-6455.
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