Morphological alterations of exogenous surfactant inhibited by meconium can be prevented by dextran
2006
Dextran Prevents Meconium-Induced Changes in Lung Surfactant
Sample size: 16
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Ochs Matthias, Schüttler Markus, Stichtenoth Guido, Herting Egbert
Primary Institution: Institute of Anatomy, Experimental Morphology, University of Bern
Hypothesis
Dextran can reverse the inactivation of exogenous surfactant by meconium.
Conclusion
Dextran prevents alterations in the structure of surfactant caused by meconium, which may help maintain its function.
Supporting Evidence
- Meconium increases the volume fraction of inactive surfactant forms.
- Dextran addition decreases the inactive surfactant forms back to control levels.
- The study used stereological methods to quantify surfactant subtypes.
Takeaway
Meconium can mess up the lung's surfactant, but adding dextran helps keep it working properly.
Methodology
The study used transmission electron microscopy and stereology to analyze surfactant morphology after exposure to meconium and dextran.
Limitations
The study was conducted in vitro, which may not fully replicate in vivo conditions.
Participant Demographics
Healthy term neonates.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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