Response of the pulmonary surfactant system to phosgene.

Rats were exposed to 240 ppm X min phosgene (1.0 ppm for 4 hrs) in a Rochester-type chamber. At intervals thereafter over a 4 day period, lungs were removed for determination of wet weight; total, microsomal and surfactant protein concentrations; surfactant phospholipid concentrations; and 1-acyl-2-lyso-phosphatidylcholine: palmitoyl-CoA acyl transferase activity. Immediately upon termination of the phosgene exposure, microsomal protein and acyl transferase activity were reduced below, and lung wet weight was elevated above, control levels. From Day 1 through Day 3 after the exposure, all measured parameters, except for the phosphatidylinositol constituent of the surfactant fraction, were increased above the control values. In general, maximum levels were observed on Day 2; however, the acyl transferase activity and surfactant concentration continued to increase on Day 3. The results suggest components of the pulmonary surfactant system may be involved in maintenance of pulmonary fluid balance and the presence of excess water in the lungs as a result of phosgene exposure may represent a signal for increased synthesis of anti-edematogenic materials in order to promote removal of the inappropriate fluid.