Effect of oxygen breathing at atmospheric pressure on pulmonary surfactant

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of oxygen breathing at atmospheric pressure on pulmonary surfactant, cats, rabbits, and rats were continuously kept in 98% oxygen until death occurred. Pulmonary surfactant was extracted by mincing of the lung and by foam fractionation of the lung. Surface tension of the extracts was measured on a Wilhelmy balance. Lung extracts prepared by both methods from the cats and rabbits kept in oxygen had greater surface tension than lung extracts from control animals. Surface tension of extracts prepared by foam fractionation of lungs of rats kept in oxygen did not differ from that of extracts of lungs of control rats, whereas surface tension of extracts prepared by mincing lungs of rats kept in oxygen had minimum surface tension greater than that of lung extracts of control rats. This species difference in the effects of oxygen breathing on pulmonary surfactant may reflect a difference in the pathogenesis of oxygen intoxication. oxygen intoxication; surface tension Submitted on October 19, 1964

‘Alveolar’ and Whole Lung Phospholipids of Premature Newborn Lambs

“…They are not found in the lungs of stillborn animals or infants. Wether the physical or chemical effects of the inspired gases [39] or the mechanical effects of respiration excite intra-alveolar exudation remains obscure. Oxygen at high partial pressures will produce hyaline membranes if administered over prolonged periods [40].…”

Lung surfactant.

“…Changes in lung surfactant, however, appear to be secondary to cellular changes (339)(340)(341)(342). There are species differences in susceptibility to oxygen damage (343).…”

Pulmonary clearance of 99mTc‐DTPA during halothane anaesthesia

“…The pathogenesis is not completely understood, but may involve increased formation of oxygen radicals, leading to peroxidation of surfactant and membrane lipids (17,18). Exposure to pure oxygen reduces the amount and impairs surface activity of pulmonary phospholipids, and also reduces incorporation of radiolabelled precursors into pulmonary phospholipids (19)(20)(21)(22). Measurements of pulmonary phospholipids and surface activity have generally been made after at least 48 h exposure to oxygen, and we are not aware of any studies of the acute effect.…”