Pulmonary surfactant is defective in the neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and in acute RDS that occurs in patients of all ages. The clinical treatment of RDS involves the use of natural or synthetic pulmonary surfactant. However, the mechanism of formation and structure of an active surfactant film at physiological conditions of near-zero surface tension are still relatively unknown. This research proposal aims to understand the structural aspects of an active surfactant film using epifluorescence microscopy on natural as well as model surfactants. The results obtained will help to understand the mechanism by which the stable surfactant films are formed in vivo and to evaluate the respective role of different surfactant components in the formation and stabilization of these films under physiological conditions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32HL010362-03
Application #
6536729
Study Section
Lung Biology and Pathology Study Section (LBPA)
Program Officer
Colombini-Hatch, Sandra
Project Start
2002-05-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-05-01
Budget End
2003-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$54,352
Indirect Cost
Name
Oregon Health and Science University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009584210
City
Portland
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97239