Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Phenotyping Mouse Pulmonary Function In Vivo with the Lung Diffusing Capacity
Published on: January 6, 2015
Serum-surfactant SP-D correlates inversely to lung function in cystic fibrosis
Hanne Vebert Olesen1, Uffe Holmskov, Peter Oluf Schiøtz
1Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, 8200 Arhus N, Denmark. hvo@dadlnet.dk
Background:
Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects the lungs causing infections and inflammation. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is an innate defense lectin primarily secreted in the lungs. We investigated the influence of the SP-D Met11Thr polymorphism on CF lung function; and serum SP-D as a marker for CF lung disease.
Methods:
For 107 CF patients (73 children, and 34 adults) serum SP-D and SP-D Met11Thr genotype were available. Leukocyte count was obtained for a subset of patients. Lung function was measured as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV-1).
Results:
Serum SP-D was increased in CF patients compared to healthy controls, positively correlated to leukocyte count, and negatively correlated to FEV-1. We found no correlation between SP-D Met11Thr genotype and FEV-1, and we found corresponding genotype frequencies in CF patients and in healthy controls.
Conclusion:
Serum SP-D in CF patients was increased in parallel with leukocyte count and with reduced FEV-1 and may constitute an alternative biomarker for lung disease, in the clinical setting and in research.
Related Concept Videos
Breathing
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...

