The hydrophobic surfactant proteins B and C are essential forlung function and pulmonary homeostasis after birth. These proteinsenhance the spreading, adsorption, and stability of surfactantlipids required for the reduction of surface tension in thealveolus. Surfactant proteins B and C also participate in theregulation of intracellular and extracellular processes criticalfor the maintenance of respiratory structure and function. Mutationsin the genes encoding surfactant protein B and surfactant proteinC (SFTPB and SFTPC, respectively) are associated with acuterespiratory failure and interstitial lung diseases. In thisarticle, we review the current knowledge regarding the structure. . . [Full Text of this Article]
Structure and Function of Alveolar Surfactant
Surfactant Protein B
Structure and Function
Critical Role in Perinatal Lung Function
Hereditary Surfactant Protein B Deficiency
Association of Chronic Lung Disease with Partial Surfactant Protein B Deficiency
Surfactant Protein C
Structure and Function
Role in Pulmonary Function and Homeostasis in Vivo
Interstitial Pneumonitis Caused by Mutations in SFTPC
Proposed Model for the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Disease Caused by Mutations in SFTPB and SFTPC
Source Information
From the Divisions of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati.
Address reprint requests to Dr. Whitsett at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Divisions of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, or at jeff.whitsett@chmcc.org.
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