The glucocorticoids, cortisol and corticosterone, have a unique function in the fetus in
inducing a wide range of enzymes before birth that have little or no function during fetal life …

I. Introduction W ITH advancing pregnancy in humans and nonhuman primates, the placenta
and fetal adrenal produce extremely large amounts of the steroid hormones estrogen …

Pulmonary surfactant is composed of approximately 90% lipid, 10% protein and small
amounts ofcarbohydrate. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), which accounts for …

Bacterial infection commonly complicates inflammatory airway diseases such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The mechanisms of increased infection …

Surfactant proteins A (SP-A) and D (SP-D) have been implicated in pulmonary innate
immunity. The proteins are host defense lectins, belonging to the collectin family which also …

I. Introduction T HE LUNGS of mammals and many other vertebrates contain surface active
material in the peripheral air spaces. This material, comprised of various lipids and proteins …

The lung of the preterm fetus is often exposed to antenatal glucocorticoids, and histologic
chorioamnionitis is frequent. Clinically and experimentally, antenatal glucocorticoids and/or …

Mature alveolar type II cells that produce pulmonary surfactant are essential for adaptation to
extrauterine life and prevention of infant respiratory distress syndrome. We have developed …

The synthesis of surfactant glycerophospholipids and proteins is under multifactorial control
and is regulated by a number of hormones and factors, including glucocorticoids, prolactin …

Background. Although single courses of antenatal glucocorticoids decrease respiratory
distress syndrome and mortality, repetitive courses of antenatal glucocorticoids are being …