Alterations in pulmonary surface active lipids during exposure to increased oxygen tension.

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The syndrome of progressive respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, and increased pulmonary surface tension was induced in 8 dogs by exposure to O2 tensions greater than 550 mm Hg for 44.5 to 52 hrs. Pulmonary surfactant was extracted by endobronchial washing for measurement of lipid composition and surface activity. Five dogs developed respiratory distress without pulmonary edema. In these dogs endobronchial wash surface tension was normal or slightly increased, and total lipid distribution was essentially normal. Esterified fatty acids in the lecithin fraction were consistently altered with a reduction in palmitate and total saturated fatty acids. Three dogs developed pulmonary edema with increased surface tension, increased total lipid and protein, and relatively decreased total phospholipid in the endobronchial washings. Esterified fatty acids in the lecithin fraction were markedly altered with palmitate levels about 1/3 normal. Esterified arachidonate was present that was attributed to intra-alveolar plasma. Electron micrographs of the lung after O2 exposure showed thickening of alveolar basement membrane and alterations in the structure of the lamellar bodies of the type II alveolar epithelial cells.