Definition and Composition: ................................................................................................... 1
Phospholipids: ........................................................................................................................ 1
Surfactant Proteins: ................................................................................................................ 1
• SP-A and SP-D ............................................................................................................ 1
• SP-B and SP-C ............................................................................................................ 1
Location: ................................................................................................................................... 1
• Production: .................................................................................................................. 1
• Distribution: ................................................................................................................ 1
Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in Lung Surfactant .............................................. 2
Synthesis and Function of Lung Surfactant ............................................................................ 2
Role and function ..................................................................................................................... 2
Surface Tension Reduction: ................................................................................................. 2
Lung Compliance: ................................................................................................................ 3
Gas Exchange: ...................................................................................................................... 3
Immune Function:................................................................................................................. 3
Mechanism of action ................................................................................................................ 3
Molecular Structure: .............................................................................................................. 3
Phospholipids: .................................................................................................................... 3
Surfactant Proteins ............................................................................................................. 3
Disruption of Hydrogen Bonds: ......................................................................................... 4
Compliance and Lung Expansion: ..................................................................................... 4
Development and production ..................................................................................................... 4
Fetal Lung Development: ...................................................................................................... 4
Type II Pneumocytes: ............................................................................................................ 5
Surfactant Proteins: ................................................................................................................ 5
• SP-A (Surfactant Protein-A) and SP-D (Surfactant Protein-D ................................... 5
• SP-B (Surfactant Protein-B) and SP-C (Surfactant Protein-C): .................................. 5
Clinical Significance .................................................................................................................. 5
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): ................................................................................. 5
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS):.................................................................... 6
Other Respiratory Conditions: ............................................................................................... 6
Diagnostic and Research Tools .................................................................................................. 6
Surfactant Testing .................................................................................................................. 6
Lecithin/Sphingomyelin (L/S) Ratio: ................................................................................ 6