Breathe Easy

Tidal Volume is a podcast from ATS Assembly on Pediatrics focusing on core concepts of pediatric pulmonology. The goal is to bring in depth focus on these core concepts for residents, fellows, early career pulmonologists or even senior faculty looking for a refresher.

In episode 5, Ryan Thomas MD from Michigan State University discusses alveolar epithelium and surfactant. He describes the anatomy of the alveolar space including the cells and their functions. He also describes the function of surfactant and its various proteins. He concludes by discussing clinical pathologies associated with surfactant dysfunction.

Show Notes

Podcast Credits

Writer: Ryan Thomas, MD
Producer: Ryan Thomas, MD

Reviewers: 
Christina Barreda, MD
Elizabeth Fiorino, MD

References:
  1. Andreeva AV Regulation of surfactant secretion in alveolar type II cells 2007 AmJPhyLung
  2. Banfi C, Agostoni P. Surfactant protein B: From biochemistry to its potential role as diagnostic and prognostic marker in heart failure. Int J Cardiol. 2016 Oct 15;221:456-62
  3. Chroneos ZC, et al. Pulmonary surfactant: an immunological perspective. Cell Physiology and Biochemistry 2010; 25: 13-26.
  4. Cole FS, Nogee LM, Hamvas A. Defects in surfactant synthesis: clinical implications. Pediatr Clin N Am 2006; 53: 911-927.
  5. Guillot-Alveolar epithelial cells Master regulators of lung homeostasis 2013 IntJBiochemCellBio
  6. Frerking I, et al. Pulmonary surfactant: functions, abnormalities, and therapeutic options. Intensive Care Med 2001; 27: 1699-1717.
  7. Herzog EL Knowns and Unknowns of the Alveolus PROCATS57778
  8. Mason RJ. Biology of alveolar type II cells-2006-Respirology
  9. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine 5th ed. Accessed via MDConsult.
  10. Nathan N Surfactant protein A: A key player in lung homeostasis IntJBioCellBio 2016
  11. Nkadi PO, et al. An overview of pulmonary surfactant in the neonate: genetics, metabolism, and the role of surfactant in health and disease. Mol Genet Metab 2009; 97: 95-101.
  12. Whitsett JA, Wert SE, Weaver TE. Alveolar surfactant homeostasis and the pathogenesis of pulmonary disease. Annual Review of Medicine 2010; 61: 105-119.
  13. Wert SE, Whitsett JA, Nogee LM. Genetic disorders of surfactant dysfunction. Pediatr Dev Pathol. 2009; 12(4): 253-274.

What is Breathe Easy?

Conversations in Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine by the American Thoracic Society