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Interactions between plasma proteins and pulmonary surfactant: surface balance studies
K M Keough1, C S Parsons, P T Phang
1Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Human plasma proteins like fibrinogen, globulin, and albumin impair pulmonary surfactant function. This interference negatively affects lung mechanics and may contribute to respiratory distress syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary physiology
- Biophysics
- Surface chemistry
Background:
- Pulmonary surfactant is crucial for maintaining lung function by reducing surface tension.
- Plasma proteins can accumulate in the lungs during critical illness, potentially affecting surfactant activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of human fibrinogen, alpha-globulin, and albumin on pulmonary surfactant properties.
- To determine the relative potency of these proteins in altering surfactant behavior under dynamic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Studied surfactant monolayers at 37°C under dynamic compression and expansion.
- Measured changes in surface pressure, lipid phosphorus area, and hysteresis in the presence of proteins.
Main Results:
- All tested proteins (fibrinogen, globulin, albumin) impaired surfactant properties.
- Fibrinogen had the most significant negative effect, followed by globulin, then albumin.
- Proteins reduced maximum surface pressure, decreased lipid phosphorus area, lessened hysteresis, and altered surface tension changes during expansion.
Conclusions:
- Plasma proteins interfere with pulmonary surfactant function by competing for interface space and potentially enhancing lipid desorption.
- This interference likely contributes to impaired lung function and edema observed in conditions like adult respiratory distress syndrome.
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