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Surfactant from diving aquatic mammals.
Roger G Spragg1, Paul J Ponganis, James J Marsh
1Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine and San Diego Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA. rspragg@ucsd.edu
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|December 23, 2003
Summary
Marine mammals possess unique lung surfactant, aiding repetitive alveolar collapse and reexpansion during deep dives. This specialized surfactant may inform therapeutic surfactant design for lung conditions.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Pulmonary physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Diving mammals experience extreme pressure changes, causing lung collapse.
- Pulmonary surfactant is crucial for lung function, preventing alveolar collapse.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate pinniped lung surfactant composition and function.
- Determine if pinnipeds have evolved unique adaptations in their surfactant system.
- Explore potential applications for therapeutic surfactant design.
Main Methods:
- Collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) from nine pinnipeds, pigs, and humans.
- Analyzed phospholipid and phosphatidylcholine molecular species.
- Quantified hydrophobic surfactant proteins B and C using immunologic assays and gel electrophoresis.
- Measured in vitro minimum surface tension.
Main Results:
- Pinniped BAL showed higher phospholipid and more fluidic phosphatidylcholine species compared to terrestrial mammals.
- Surfactant protein B content was higher in elephant seals than humans.
- Deepest diving pinnipeds exhibited moderately elevated in vitro minimum surface tension.
Conclusions:
- Pinniped surfactant composition differs from terrestrial mammals, potentially aiding alveolar reexpansion.
- Unique surfactant properties in deep-diving mammals warrant further investigation.
- Pinniped surfactant research may lead to improved therapeutic surfactants.