Pulmonary surfactant: functions and molecular composition

[摘要] This review briefly notes recent findings important for understanding the surface mechanical functions of pulmonary surfactant. Currently known surfactant-specific proteins and lipids are discussed, with an eye to their possible functions. Competing models of the alveolar subphase life cycle of surfactant are also presented. It is concluded that, in spite of much effort, we still do not understand the basic molecular mechanisms underlying surfactant's rapid adsorption to the air-water interface. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

[发布日期] 1998-11-19

[关键词] dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine;surfactant protein;surface tension;surface balance