THE PULMONARY SURFACTANT SYSTEM - BIOCHEMICAL AND CLINICAL ASPECTS

This article starts with a brief account of the history of research on pulmonary surfactant. We will then discuss the morphological aspects and composition of the pulmonary surfactant system. We describe the hy drophilic surfactant proteins A and D and the hydrophobic surfactant p roteins B and C, with focus on the crucial roles of these proteins in the dynamics, metabolism, and functions of pulmonary surfactant. Next we discuss the major disorders of the surfactant system. The final par t of the review will be focused on the potentials and complications of surfactant therapy in the treatment of some of these disorders. It is our belief that increased knowledge of the surfactant system and its functions will lead to a more optimal composition of the exogenous sur factants and, perhaps, widen their applicability to treatment of surfa ctant disorders other than neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.