SURFACE TENSION

&
SURFACTANT
By idan-mitable
 INTRODUCTION
• The lungs are constant threat to collapse even in resting conditions
because of certain factors. Two factors are responsible for collapsing
tendency of the lungs;
• 1. Elastic property of lung tissues: Elastic tissues of lungs show constant
recoiling tendency and try to collapse the lungs
• 2. Surface tension: It is the tension exerted by the fluid secreted from
alveolar epithelium on the surface of alveolar membrane. Fortunately,
there are some factors, which save the lungs from collapsing.
CONT’d
 Factors Preventing Collapsing Tendency of
Lungs
• In spite of elastic property of lungs and surface tension in the alveoli of
lungs, the collapsing tendency of lungs is prevented by two factors:
• 1. Intra-pleural pressure: It is the pressure in the pleural cavity, which is
always negative. Because of negativity, it keeps the lungs expanded and
prevents the collapsing tendency of lungs produced by the elastic
tissues.
• 2. Surfactant: It is a substance secreted in alveolar epithelium. It reduces
surface tension and prevents the collapsing tendency produced by
surface tension.
SURFACE TENSION
 SURFACTANT
• Surfactant is a surface acting material responsible for reducing the
surface tension in a fluid. The pulmonary surfactant line the alveolar
epithelium and reduces the surface tension on the alveolar membrane.
• Pulmonary surfactant is secreted by two types of cells:
• 1. Type II alveolar epithelial cells in the lungs, which are called
surfactant secreting alveolar cells or pneumocytes. Characteristic feature
of these cells is the presence of microvilli on their alveolar surface.
• 2. Clara cells, which are situated in the bronchioles. These cells are
also called bronchiolar exocrine cells.
SURFACTANT
 SURFACTANT
• Surfactant is a lipoprotein made up of lipid ( phospholipid ), protein and
ions.
• The phospholipid forms about 75% of surfactant, the major phospholipid is
dipalmitoylphophatidylcholine. Other lipids like triglycerides and
phosphatidylglycerol are also present.
• The proteins are called surfactant protein. There are four main surfactant
proteins, called SPA, SPB, SPC and SPD. SPA and SPD are hydrophilic,
while SPB and SPC are hydrophobic. Surfactant proteins are vital
components of surfactant and the surfactant becomes inactive in the absence
of proteins. SPA & SPD are essential component of our innate immune
system for protecting the lungs from pathogens and allergies, they do this
through opsonization. Opsonization is an immune process which uses
opsonins to tag foreign pathogens for elimination by phagocytes.
STRUCTURE OF SURFACTANT
SURFACTANT
 SURFACTANT
• The ions present in surfactant are majorly calcium ions.
• Type II alveolar epithelial cells occupy only about 5% of alveolar
surface. However, the surfactant must spread over the entire alveolar
surface. It is facilitated by PG ( phosphatidylglycerol )and calcium ions.
• The surfactant molecule is made of DPPC which is made of two16C
fatty acid tails ( palmitoyl ) which is hydrophobic and a head of
phosphatidylcholine which is hydrophilic.
 FUNCTIONS OF SURFACTANT
• 1. Surfactant reduces the surface tension in the alveoli of lungs and
prevents collapsing tendency of lungs. SPB & SPC play vital role in this.
• 2. Surfactant is responsible for stabilization of the alveoli, which is
necessary to withstand the collapsing tendency.
• 3. It plays an important role in the inflation of lungs after birth.
• 4. Another important function of surfactant is its role in defense within
the lungs against infection and inflammation.
EFFECT OF DEFICIENCY OF SURFACTANT
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME
• Absence of surfactant in infants, causes collapse of lungs and the
condition is called respiratory distress syndrome or hyaline membrane
disease. Deficiency of surfactant occurs in adults also and it is called
adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In addition, the deficiency
of surfactant increases the susceptibility for bacterial and viral infections.