Immunohistochemical Study of the Distribution of Exogenous Surfactant in the Lungs of Surfactant-Deficient Rabbits Using a Monoclonal Antibody

Abstract

Surfactant replacement therapy in surfactant deficiency has been shown to be an effective method to improve lung function. The immediate beneficial effects of surfactant therapy, however, are often followed by a relapse within several hours after treatment. In premature newborn infants factors responsible for the relapse include patency of the ductus arteriosus and inhibition of surfactant activity by proteins leaking into the alveolar space. Other factors which are possibly of significant importance are the initial distribution of the administered surfactant throughout and its further distribution in time. So far little is known about the distribution of instilled natural surfactant in surfactant deficiency.