Surfactant protein A and D expression in the porcine Eustachian tube

Surfactant proteins A and D are collectins which are considered to play an important role in the innate immunity of lungs, Our aim was to investigate whether surfactant protein A or D is expressed in the porcine Eustachian tu be originating from the upper airways. Both surfactant proteins A and D wer e present in the epithelial cells of the Eustachian tube, as shown by stron g immunostaining. Using RT-PCR and Northern hybridization, these collectins were detected in the Eustachian tube. The present study is the first repor t demonstrating surfactant protein gene expression in the Eustachian tube. Surfactant proteins A and D may be important in the antibody-independent pr otection of the middle ear. (C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical Soc ieties.