[The antitryptic activity of the blood in pulmonary tuberculosis patients who smoke tobacco].

The general activity of the antitryptic system of the blood was studied in 60 practically healthy persons and in 65 patients with active tuberculosis. A group of tobacco smokers (5 years, 6-10 years) was singled out. It was established that tobacco smoking and pulmonary tuberculosis was accompanied by activation of the antitryptic system which should be considered as a peculiar defensive reaction of the body to increase of the proteolytic activity of enzymes in the lungs. In persons that have been smoking from 6 to 10 years there was a reduction of the general antitryptic activity which can further the development of dystrophic changes in the pulmonary parenchyma and produce an unfavourable effect on the course of specific inflammation.