Lung Surfactant Function and Composition in Neonatal Foals and Adult Horses

Abstract

Background:Lung surfactant function and composition are varied and adapted to the specific respiratory physiology of all mammalian species. Hypothesis:Lung surfactant function and composition are different in neonatal foals as compared to adult horses. Animals:Six adult horses, 7 term foals (P < .05 were considered significant. Results:BALF phospholipid content was similar between adult horses and term foals, but BALF protein content was significantly decreased in term foals. Phosphatidylglycerol was significantly decreased, phosphatidylinositol was significantly increased, and the minimum surface tension was significantly increased in the CSP from term foals compared to adult horses. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Surface tension and phospholipid composition of surfactant in neonatal foals are significantly different compared to adult horses. These changes may influence biophysical and immunologic functions of surfactant.