Abstract
Fetal lung maturation is typified by independent increases in both lecithin (TL) and disaturated lecithin (DSL). A recent in vivo study (Hamosh, M., and P. Hamosh, J.C.I. 59:1002, 1977) has suggested that administration of prolactin (ovine NIH) to fetal rabbits can cause similar changes in lung phospholipid metabolism. We have studied the effect of prolactin on the production of TL and DSL by 28-day fetal rabbit lung cells in tissue culture. At confluence the cultures were incubated with ovine prolactin (Sigma, 22 IU/mg) for 24 hours and subsequently incubated for 6 hours with tritiated choline.
There was a significant increase in DSL(p <.05) without a detectable change in the amount of TL produced, resulting in a marked rise in the percent saturation. This is the first reported observation in vitro that production of DSL and TL can be independently regulated. In contrast, other regulators of surfactant synthesis (eg, T4, glucocorticoids) increase TL and DSL production without changes in % saturation. The experiment was repeated using a single batch of prolactin (ovine NIH)without any demonstrable effect, which suggests caution is needed in attributing the response to prolactin.
Partially supported by The Parker B. Francis Foundation.
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Cox, M., Torday, J. 1172 RELATIVE INCREASE IN SATURATED LECITHINS IN PROLACTIN -TREATED FETAL LUNG CULTURES. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 559 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01178
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01178