The pattern of surfactant cholesterol during vertebrate evolution and development: Does ontogeny recapitulate phylogeny?

Abstract

Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids (PLs), neutral lipids and proteins that lines the inner surface of the lung. Here it modulates surface tension, thereby increasing lung compliance and preventing the transudation of fluid. In humans, pulmonary surfactant is comprised of approximately 80% PLs, 12% neutral lipids and 8% protein. In most eutherian (i.e. placental) mammals, cholesterol (Chol) comprises approximately 8-10% by weight or 14-20 mol% of both alveolar and lamellar body surfactant. It is regarded as an integral component of pulmonary surfactant, yet few studies have concentrated on its function or control. The lipid composition is highly conserved within the ve..