Synchronized changing of transinterface pressure, bubble radius and surface tension: a unique feature of lung surfactant

Abstract

The pulsating bubble surfactometer has been commonly used to measure the minimum surface tension of lung surfactant. The complexity of the original transinterface pressure tracings and its possible physiological meanings remain undefined. In the present study, we compared surface properties between calf lung surfactant extract (CLSE) and Tween 20, a nonionic surfactant, with the pulsating bubble surfactometer. A synchronized change between transinterface pressure (P) and bubble radius (R) was observed when CLSE was tested. Mathematical analysis and computer simulation indicate that this is due to the extremely potent surface tension lowering and adjusting abilities, which allows the surface tension to decrease towards zero at the end of compression and increase towards a high surface tension during re-expansion. In contrast, a time delay between P and R was observed when Tween 20 was assessed. Surface tension adjusting ability was shown only at concentrations below or around the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of Tween 20. Surface tension became unchangeable when concentrations were further increased, suggesting amphipathic molecules were saturated on the interface. The synchronization of transinterface pressure, alveolar radius and surface tension may play an important role in maintaining the pulmonary compliance in vivo. This unique feature, observed at concentrations several orders above the cmc of phospholipids, suggests that the structure of lung surfactant at the air-liquid interface differs from that of Tween 20, a monolayer of free amphipathic molecules.