Effect of bronchodilators on surfactant system of lung

Pulmonary surfactant activity of healthy male albino rats was estimated in terms of the maximum and minimum surface tension values of alveolar washings and the phospholipid content of the extract. The results obtained in these (control) animals were compared with those in three groups of animals treated with therapeutic doses of terbutaline, adrenaline and aminophylline. A significant decrease in the surface tension values without a significant increase in the phospholipid content was observed with aminophylline, whereas a significant increase in phospholipid concentration without a significant decrease in surface tension values was observed in case of terbutaline and adrenaline. These findings suggest that aminophylline, in addition to a bronchodilator action, lowers the elastic resistance of lung. The study also indicates caution in interpreting phospholipid concentration as surfactant activity.