Inflammatory Response of Lung Derived Cells in Rat Pups Following Intratracheal Surfactant Instillation

Background: Neonatal respiratory-distress syndrome (nRDS) is a disease that affects the lung functions in premature infants who are born before their surfactant biosynthetic system has matured. Several surfactant-replacement therapies have been developed and are efficacious in treating the RDS. Objective: The study investigates the inflammatory response of the lung derived cells in rat pups with intratracheal instillation of surfactant (SF), isolated from porcine and the synthetic surfactant. Methods: Rat pups were divided into three groups: Controls were instilled with buffer, similarly P-SF and S-SF group of animals were instilled with porcine and synthetic surfactant, respectively. Bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) was isolated and the different cytokines and reactive oxygen-nitrogen species (RONS) were measured using quantitative ELISA and fluorescence spectroscopic methods, respectively. Results: After 24 hrs, cytokines secretions were found to be elevated in the BALF with porcine and synthetic surfactant. Further, nitric oxide (NO) and citrulline levels as well as the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were also found to be increased with surfactant administration. Conclusion: In the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome, the anti-inflammatory response of surfactant may thus depend upon the specific preparation of the surfactant and its administration.