Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Intratracheal Instillation of Stem Cells in Term Neonatal Rats
Published on: May 4, 2020
Does surfactant type cause a differential proinflammatory response in preterm infants with respiratory distress
Vanessa V Mercado1, Ioana Cristea, Noorjahan Ali
1Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA. vanessa_mercado@nymc.edu
Introduction:
The objective of this study was to compare the pulmonary inflammatory response of premature infants with respiratory distress following instillation of one of two commonly available surfactant preparations.
Methods:
This was a prospective, randomized investigation of preterm infants who were less than 30 weeks of gestational age, weighed less than 1 kg at birth, and who qualified to receive surfactant. Infants with multiple congenital anomalies or whose mothers were taking anti-inflammatory medications were ineligible. Tracheal aspirates (TAs) were collected on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 and airway cytokines from TAs were assayed for interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6.
Results:
Infants were evenly matched by gestation (26+/-2 days and 26+/-1 days [mean+/-SD], Surfactant A and B, respectively) and birth weight (730+/-141 g and 732+/-167 g). TA cytokine levels were not different between or within groups. Ventilator requirements and clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups.
Conclusion:
The postnatal airway inflammatory response observed in preterm infants is not altered by the instillation of either surfactant preparation.
More Related Videos
06:22Surfactant Depletion Combined with Injurious Ventilation Results in a Reproducible Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Published on: April 7, 2021
08:58Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
Published on: October 31, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Breathing
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
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...
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...