Effect of chronic exposure to tobacco smoke on some blood lipids and coagulation parameters in the rat.

Adult male rats were exposed to tobacco smoke from filter-tipped cigarettes twice daily for a period of four months. Some blood lipids and coagulation parameters were studied. This treatment did not change the serum cholesterol, whereas it significantly increased serum triglycerides and plasma free fatty acids; these were possibly secondary to nicotine-induced catecholamine release. Blood thromboplastic activity as well as platelet aggregation were significantly increased. On the other hand blood fibrinolytic and prothrombin activities were unaffected. These results were discussed.