Pulmonary Surfactant: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pathology

Physiology ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 129-132
Author(s):  
JR Bourbon ◽  
M Rieutort
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Pulmonary Surfactant ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Surfactant Replacement ◽  
Neonatal Respiratory Distress

The material that lines the alveoli of the lung, known as pulmonary surfactant, plays a crucial role in lung function. Its composition and biosynthesis are rather well known, but its mechanism of action and its primary role in the etiology of neonatal respiratory distress remain controversial. Surfactant replacement for the treatment of respiratory distress nevertheless appears useful.

scholarly journals Expression of Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein B in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

2013 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-151
Author(s):  
Xiaojuan Yin ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
Lu Xie ◽  
Xiangyong Kong ◽  
Chunzhi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Pulmonary Surfactant ◽  
Distress Syndrome ◽  
Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neonatal Respiratory Distress ◽  
Protein B

Summary Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of pulmonary surfactant-associated protein B (SP-B) expression in the pathogenesis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) via detecting the protein and mRNA expression of SP-B. Methods: A total of 60 unrelated neonates who died of RDS were chosen as the RDS group and then subgrouped into ≤32 weeks group, 32∼37 weeks group and ≥37 weeks group (n=20). Sixty neonates who died of other diseases were enrolled as controls and subdivided into 3 matched groups based on the gestational age. Western blot assay and RT-PCR were employed. Results: In the RDS group, SP-B protein expression was reduced or deficient in 8 neonates of which 6 had no SP-B protein expression. In the control group, only 1 had reduced SP-B protein expression. The reduced or deficient SP-B protein expression in 9 neonates of both groups was noted in the ≥37 weeks group. In the RDS group, the SP-B mRNA expression was significantly lower than that in the control group. In the ≤37 weeks group, SP-B mRNA expression was comparable between the RDS group and control group. In the 32∼37 weeks group, the SP-B mRNA expression in the RDS group was significantly reduced when compared with the control group. In the ≥37 weeks group, the SP-B mRNA expression in the RDS group was dramatically lower than that in the control group. Conclusions: Alteration of SP-B expression is present at transcriptional and translational levels. Reduction of SP-B mRNA and protein expression is involved in the pathogenesis of RDS.

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