Abstract
The ability of human surfactant (HS) isolated by differential & density gradient centrifugation from amniotic fluid to alter pulmonary pressure-volume (P/V) loops in 27-day surfactant deficient fetal rabbits was evaluated. Fetuses were delivered & allowed to breathe spontaneously. Either 2 μmoles of HS in .Icc 0.6% NaCl, or similarly prepared rabbit surfactant (RS), or saline (controls) was applied endotracheally by tracheostomy. Fetuses were mechanically ventilated 15 min. sacrificed, & lungs degassed 15 min. at -20 cmH2O. Static, first cycle pulmonary P/V loops were measured by syringe & H2O manometer. Inflation & deflation volumes were recorded at 0,2,5,10,15,20,25, & 30 cmH2O:
There were no significant differences between HS and RS. Histology revealed good homogeneous aeration in HS and RS fetuses and poor aeration in controls. HS markedly improved P/V loops in 27 day fetal rabbits and was comparable to RS. HS may be effective in treating RDS once its safety is established.
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Schneider, H., Hallman, M., Benirschke, K. et al. 1719 HUMAN SURFACTANT: A THERAPEUTIC TRIAL IN PREMATURE RABBITS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 730 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01738
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01738