Pulmonary surfactant phospholipids (PS) (PS)

Pulmonary surfactant phospholipids are a complex mixture of lipids and proteins, primarily composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), that line the alveolar surface of the lungs (StatPearls, NBK541008). Their primary biological function is to reduce surface tension at the air-liquid interface, which prevents alveolar collapse (atelectasis) at the end of expiration and reduces the work of breathing (PubMed, 10978315). Beyond mechanical stabilization, these phospholipids also play a role in the lung's innate immune system by facilitating the clearance of pathogens and modulating inflammatory responses (NIH, PMC3107118). Deficiencies or dysfunction in these phospholipids are central to the pathogenesis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) and contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in adults (StatPearls, NBK541008). Therapeutic intervention involves the administration of exogenous surfactant preparations, which can be animal-derived or synthetic, to restore lung function (NIH, PMC3107118). These drugs act by rapidly spreading across the alveolar surface to lower surface tension and improve gas exchange, thereby reducing the need for mechanical ventilation and improving survival in preterm infants (PubMed, 10978315).

Other names

Lung surfactantAlveolar surfactantSurface-active materialPulmonary surfactant

Exogenous surfactant replacement therapy reduces alveolar surface tension and prevents lung collapse by restoring the lipid monolayer at the air-liquid interface (StatPearls, NBK541008).