[Pulmonary surfactant in guinea pigs after toxic exposure to CCl4]

Abstract

The surface-active properties of lung surfactant were studied in 32 guinea pigs given CCl4 according to a schedule. The surface activity of the surfactant is inhibited in the experimental animals under the effect of hepatotrophic poison (CCl4) due to the disturbed metabolism of its phospholipids, which is a consequence of the diminished lipid-synthesizing function of the liver. Diminution of the surface-active properties of the lung surfactant and disturbance of its qualitative composition may be regarded as the cause of the development of extensive atelectases in the animals' lungs.