DECREASED LECITHIN IN LUNG LAVAGE FLUID FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS HYDROCORTISONE

Lecithin is the major component of the pulmonary surfactant system. Le cithin content in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of healthy adult male rats was compared with that in three groups of animals following 2.5 mg of intravenous (i.v) hydrocortisone at 10 minute, 30 minute an d 60 minute intervals respectively. A highly significant reduction in lecithin levels indicating a decrease in surfactant activity was obser ved within 10 minutes of administration of hydrocortisone. However, a gradual increase in lecithin levels was observed by one hour indicatin g an acute decrease in pulmonary surfactant activity following adminis tration of hydrocortisone.