[The correction of the status of the pulmonary surfactant system as a method for preventing experimental pneumoconiosis]

Using a model of experimental pneumoconiosis in albino rats, induced by breathing in a rock dust, we attempted correction of the pulmonary surfactant system, for which purpose we tried choline chloride as a drug preparation. The action of the above drug was found out to be depended upon the moment of its administration and time during which it is being administered, and is that of influence on both the concentration and mechanism of absorbtion of surface-active fractions of the surfactant in the liquid-gas interface. Early administration of choline chloride (during the dust factor exposure) increases concentration of those surfactants notable for their surface-active properties being maintained, and improves the processes of diffusion of surface-active substances, which observation is accompanied by decrease in intensity of the processes of fibroformation in the lung tissue. Choline chlorid employed on the discontinuation of the dust exposure has adverse effects leading to changes in the lipid composition, impairing the surface-active properties and processes of diffusion of the pulmonary surfactant, which fact may contribute to aggravation of fibrosis in the lungs.