Impaired surfactant function in 3-methylindole-induced lung injury in goats

1. This study was designed to monitor the changes in surfactant quantity and function in the 72 hr following 3-methylindole (3MI) infusion in goats. 2. 3MI, at 35 mg/kg body wt, caused an increase in surfactant phospholipid isolated from lamellar bodies and lavage fluid. 3. The function of surfactant isolated from lavage fluid was tested using the pulsating bubble surfactometer. The results indicated a serious impairment in the ability to lower surface tension in vitro. 4. Results suggested 3MI caused an impaired surfactant function rather than surfactant synthesis in response to epithelial damage.