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The biophysical function of pulmonary surfactant.

Authors :
Hall SB
Zuo YY
Source :
Biophysical journal [Biophys J] 2024 Jun 18; Vol. 123 (12), pp. 1519-1530. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Apr 25.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

The type II pneumocytes of the lungs secrete a mixture of lipids and proteins that together acts as a surfactant. The material forms a thin film on the surface of the liquid layer that lines the alveolar air sacks. When compressed by the decreasing alveolar surface area during exhalation, the films reduce surface tension to exceptionally low levels. Pulmonary surfactant is essential for preserving the integrity of the barrier between alveolar air and capillary blood during normal breathing. This review focuses on the major biophysical processes by which endogenous pulmonary surfactant achieves its function and the mechanisms involved in those processes. Vesicles of pulmonary surfactant adsorb rapidly from the alveolar liquid to form the interfacial film. Interfacial insertion, which requires the hydrophobic surfactant protein SP-B, proceeds by a process analogous to the fusion of two vesicles. When compressed, the adsorbed film desorbs slowly. Constituents remain at the surface at high interfacial concentrations that reduce surface tensions well below equilibrium levels. We review the models proposed to explain how pulmonary surfactant achieves both the rapid adsorption and slow desorption characteristic of a functional film.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests.<br /> (Copyright © 2024 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1542-0086
Volume :
123
Issue :
12
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Biophysical journal
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
38664968
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2024.04.021