Effect of exogenous surfactant on Paediatric Bronchoalveolar lavage derived macrophages' cytokine secretion.

Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage is a useful bronchoscopy technique. However, studies in "normal" children populations are few. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of exogenous pulmonary surfactants on the bronchoalveolar cellular components are limited.

Deposition and transport of linezolid mediated by a synthetic surfactant Synsurf within a pressurized metered dose inhaler: a Calu-3 model.

Background: Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated that a synthetic peptide containing lung surfactant enhances the permeability of chemical compounds through bronchial epithelium. The purpose of this study was to test two formulations of Synsurf combined with linezolid as respirable compounds using a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI).

Methods: Aerosolization efficiency of the surfactant-drug microparticles onto Calu-3 monolayers as an air interface culture was analyzed using a Next Generation Impactor™.

Surfactant treatment before first breath for respiratory distress syndrome in preterm lambs: comparison of a peptide-containing synthetic lung surfactant with porcine-derived surfactant.

Background: In a recent study utilizing a saline-lavaged adult rabbit model, we described a significant improvement in systemic oxygenation and pulmonary shunt after the instillation of a novel synthetic peptide-containing surfactant, Synsurf. Respiratory distress syndrome in the preterm lamb more closely resembles that of the human infant, as their blood gas, pH values, and lung mechanics deteriorate dramatically from birth despite ventilator support. Moreover, premature lambs have lungs which are mechanically unstable, with the advantage of being able to measure multiple variables over extended periods.

The effect of a peptide-containing synthetic lung surfactant on gas exchange and lung mechanics in a rabbit model of surfactant depletion.

Background: Currently, a new generation of synthetic pulmonary surfactants is being developed that may eventually replace animal-derived surfactants used in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome. Enlightened by this, we prepared a synthetic peptide-containing surfactant (Synsurf) consisting of phospholipids and poly-l-lysine electrostatically bonded to poly-l-glutamic acid. Our objective in this study was to investigate if bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)-induced acute lung injury and surfactant deficiency with accompanying hypoxemia and increased alveolar and physiological dead space is restored to its prelavage condition by surfactant replacement with Synsurf, a generic prepared Exosurf, and a generic Exosurf containing Ca(2+).

Maternal separation of rat pups increases the risk of developing depressive-like behavior after subsequent chronic stress by altering corticosterone and neurotrophin levels in the hippocampus.

Children that are abused have an increased risk for developing psychiatric disorders later in life, because of the negative effects of stress on the developing brain. We used a maternal separation model in rats to see how neurotrophins, stress hormones, behavior and the anti-oxidant potential of serum are affected. Rat pups were separated from their mothers for 3h/day on days 2-14.

Comparative diffusion of drugs through bronchial tissue.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the molecular diffusion of drugs across porcine bronchial tissue. Using an in vitro flow-through diffusion system, a series of model compounds were tested. These included theophylline, caffeine, theobromine, enprofylline, salbutamol, ipratropium bromide, and trimethoprim.