Biochemistry of the Lung

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Abstract
The surface of the alveoli of the lung appears to be lined with a lipoprotein complex having a very low surface tension. The active component of this complex is probably a saturated lecithin molecule. We have investigated the synthesis of phospholipids from both carbohydrate and lipid precursors. We found that lung slices from rabbits readily oxidize plasma-free fatty acids and incorporate these into lecithin. Lung also readily metabolizes plasma triglycerides, acetate and glucose. It is suggested that glucose availability plays a key role in promoting lipogenesis and directing the fate of the fatty acid molecule. Mechanisms are discussed that enable lung tissue to use plasma lipids for the synthesis of the phospholipid components of the surfactant.

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