Rat Surfactant Research Articles

The Role of the Amino-terminal Domain and the Collagenous Region in the Structure and the Function of Rat Surfactant Protein D

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a member of the C-type lectin superfamily with four distinct structural domains: an amino terminus involved in forming intermolecular disulfides, a collagen-like domain, a neck region, and a carbohydrate recognition domain. A collagen domain deletion mutant (CDM) of SP-D was created by site-directed mutagenesis. A second variant lacking both the amino-terminal region and the collagen-like domain was generated by collagenase treatment and purification of the collagenase-resistant fragment (CRF). The CDM expressed in CHO-K1 cells formed the covalent trimers, but not the noncovalent dodecamers, typical of native SP-D. The CRF derived from recombinant SP-D formed only monomers. The CDM bound mannose-Sepharose and phosphatidylinositol (PI) as well as SP-D, but the binding to mannosyl bovine serum albumin and glucosylceramide was diminished by approximately 60%. The CRF displayed weak binding to mannose-Sepharose and PI and essentially no binding to mannosyl bovine serum albumin and glucosylceramide. Both SP-D and CDM altered the self-aggregation of PI-containing liposomes. SP-D reduced the density and the light scattering properties of PI aggregates. These results demonstrate that the collagen-like domain is required for dodecamer but not covalent trimer formation of SP-D and plays an important, but not essential, role in the interaction of SP-D with PI and GlcCer. Removal of the amino-terminal domain of SP-D along with the collagen-like domain diminishes PI binding and effectively eliminates GlcCer binding.

Biochemical and Biophysical Characterization of Pulmonary Surfactant in Rats Exposed Chronically to Cigarefte Smoke

The pulmonary surfactant plays an important role in the gas exchange functions of the lungs. Although previous studies suggest that cigarette smoking alters the pulmonary surfactant system in human smokers, the nature of such changes is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to determine if biochemical and biophysical properties of pulmonary surfactant are affected in rats following chronic exposure to cigarette smoke. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed daily to smoke from the University of Kentucky high tar/high nicotine reference cigarettes, twice a day, for 60 weeks in a nose-only exposure system. Blood carboxyhemoglobin, plasma cotinine, and pulmonary aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity measurements showed that animals effectively inhaled smoke during exposures. At termination, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) and the lung tissues were collected for biochemical and biophysical analyses of surfactant. The total phospholipid content of the BALF and the lung tissues from room control (RC), sham-treated (SF), and smoke-exposed (SM) animals were the same among the different groups. However, disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) levels in the BALF were significantly decreased in SM rats compared to RC or SH groups. In contrast, the lung tissue DSPC content in SM rats was not significantly different from that of control groups. Phospholipid profile analysis of the BALF also did not reveal any significant differences among other major constituents of surfactant from control and SM animals. The organic extracts of BALF obtained from different animal groups were assessed for surface activity using a Wilhelmy balance. The results showed an increase in surface compressibility and a reduction in respreadability index in SM group. In contrast, the stability indices of surfactant films obtained from different groups were the same. These observations suggest that decreased DSPC content in SM rats plays a role in altering the biophysical characteristics of surfactant. it is concluded that chronic exposure to cigarette smoke adversely affects the pulmonary surfactant system of rats.

Effect of hyperpnea on the cholesterol to disaturated phospholipid ratio in alveolar surfactant of rats.

Hyperpnea induced by swimming rats for 30 min decreased the cholesterol/disaturated phospholipid ratio (CHOL/DSP) in the tubular myelin-poor fraction (alv-2), but did not affect the tubular myelin-rich fraction (alv-1). The phenomenon was further illustrated by the marked inverse relationship between CHOL/DSP and DSP. Because such a result could reflect differential release, processing, or reuptake within the alveolar compartment, this study further explored the mechanism in the rat isolated perfused lung (IPL), using radiolabeled CHOL (3H) and DSP (14C). The study also examined whether the decrease in CHOL/DSP with swimming was associated with the increase in either tidal volume (VT), frequency of breathing (f), or both. It was found that whereas a 2.5-fold increase in VT for 15 min in the IPL increased the CHOL/DSP in alv-1 and decreased it in alv-2, a 3-fold increase in f markedly increased the CHOL/DSP in both alveolar subfractions. In apparent contrast, the increases in both VT and f markedly depressed the ratio of the sp act of CHOL/DSP, reflecting a large decrease in the sp act of CHOL in the alveolar compartment. In view of the acute nature of these IPL experiments, it is suggested that the changes reflect the differential release of CHOL and DSP. Furthermore, the marked decrease in sp act of CHOL must reflect a second source of CHOL supplying the alveolar compartment with sterol of low sp act. It is concluded that there is differential handling of surfactant CHOL and DSP in the alveolar compartment of the rat and that the decrease in CHOL/DSP with swimming is due to an increase in VT.

Surfactant protein A regulates uptake of pulmonary surfactant by lung type II cells on microporous membranes.

We have investigated the internalization of surfactant by type II cells in primary culture. Previously, we demonstrated that type II cells cultured on microporous membranes [Transwell membranes (TM)] maintained the morphological characteristics of lung pneumocytes and took up surfactant protein and phospholipid in a fashion similar to that described for the uptake of surfactant by whole lung. In the present study, cells cultured on TM and exposed to equivalent amounts of phospholipid (PL) as either natural surfactant or liposomes incorporated fivefold greater amounts of natural surfactant PL. The evidence supported an important role for surfactant protein A (SP-A), as the incorporation of surfactant into type II cells on TM was reduced by anti-SP-A antisera and by pretreatment of the surfactant with beta-mercaptoethanol. In addition, the uptake of liposomes into type II cells on TM was augmented by SP-A. With the use of iodinated bovine SP-A reconstituted in rat surfactant, cells cultured on TM showed a 2.6-fold increase in binding and a 3.2-fold stimulation in uptake of SP-A over that seen with cells cultured on plastic. The change in the slope of the total binding curve of 125I-labeled bovine SP-A reconstituted with bovine surfactant to type II cells on the two substrates occurred at the same concentration of SP-A (17 micrograms/mg), but maximal binding was approximately eight times higher for cells on TM than for cells on plastic dishes. Thus, in a more physiological environment, i.e., SP-A in surfactant and cells on microporous membranes, SP-A plays an important role in the uptake of phospholipids by alveolar pneumocytes.

Plutonium-induced proliferative lesions and pulmonary epithelial neoplasms in the rat: immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evidence for their origin from type II pneumocytes.

Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy were used to clarify the cellular origin for plutonium-239-induced pulmonary proliferative (preneoplastic) epithelial lesions and epithelial neoplasms in F344 rats. Examples of each histologic type of proliferative lesion and neoplasm were stained by the avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase method using antibodies to rat surfactant apoprotein and Clara cell antigen. Rat surfactant apoprotein immunostaining was detected in type II pneumocytes in sections of normal lung, in the cells of the proliferative lesions classified histologically as alveolar epithelial hyperplasia (51) and mixed foci (alveolar epithelial hyperplasia with fibrosis) (30), and in adenomas (2), adenocarcinomas (3), and adenosquamous carcinomas (2). With the exception of one adenosquamous carcinoma, Clara cell antigen immunostaining was not detected in any of the pulmonary lesions but was detected in nonciliated cuboidal epithelial (Clara) cells in normal bronchioles. The epithelial cells of the proliferative lesions and neoplasms had ultrastructural features consistent with type II pneumocytes, i.e., the presence of cytoplasmic lamellar and multivesicular bodies. The results of these studies indicate that the majority of plutonium-induced proliferative epithelial lesions and neoplasms in the rat originate from alveolar type II pneumocytes.

Degradation of human and rat surfactant apoprotein by neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G.

Degradation of human and rat surfactant apoprotein by neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G.

Rat surfactant protein D enhances the production of oxygen radicals by rat alveolar macrophages.

Rat surfactant protein D (SP-D) was shown to enhance the production of oxygen radicals by rat alveolar macrophages. This enhancement, which was determined by a lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence assay, was maximal after 18 min at an SP-D concentration of 0.2 micrograms/ml. Surfactant lipids did not influence the stimulation of alveolar macrophages by SP-D, whereas the oxygen-radical production of these cells induced by surfactant protein A was inhibited by the lipids in a concentration-dependent manner.

Binding, uptake, and localization of surfactant protein B in isolated rat alveolar type II cells.

This study reports the ability of rat alveolar type II cells to internalize mature bovine surfactant protein B (SP-B) in vitro. Isolated type II cells were incubated with labeled SP-B, and binding and internalization were studied biochemically and morphologically. Biochemical analyses demonstrated a time-dependent association of 125I-labeled SP-B with type II cells; binding steadily increased through 4 h and then remained constant through 20 h of incubation. The association of [3H]SP-B with type II cells was characterized via light and electron microscopic autoradiography. Significant quantities of [3H]SP-B were found at the plasma membrane, in the endocytic pathway, and in lamellar bodies. The pathway of SP-B internalization was not altered by the presence of whole rat surfactant; however, the quantity of SP-B internalized into lamellar bodies was increased. 3[H]SP-B was not associated with coated pits and colocalized with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), consistent with receptor-independent internalization. Cell-associated SP-B was not degraded and was detected in lamellar bodies undergoing exocytosis. These results suggest that SP-B may follow a recycling pathway similar to that previously reported for surfactant phospholipids.

Effects of maternal protein-calorie malnutrition on the phospholipid composition of surfactant isolated from fetal and neonatal rat lungs. Compensation by inositol and lipid supplementation.

The effects of a maternal protein-calorie malnutrition during gestation and lactation were analyzed on fetal and postnatal lung growth and maturation, including a surfactant fraction isolated from lung tissue. There was a considerable reduction in body weight and in wet and dry lung weights of malnourished pups. Lung protein and DNA concentrations were similar in both groups except in late gestation (lung hyperplasia) and 2 and 15 d after delivery (hypocellularity). Lung glycogen breakdown was slowed down in malnourished newborns. Surfactant material was decreased the most perinatally and the reduction was more marked than for the nonsurfactant fraction of the lung. Disaturated phosphatidylcholine, the major surface active surfactant component, was decreased the most at birth (1.70 +/- 0.31 nmol/mg wet wt versus 3.68 +/- 0.17 nmol/mg in controls, n = 8) and on d 2 (5.04 +/- 0.53 nmol/mg versus 7.67 +/- 0.44 nmol/mg in controls, n = 8). There was an apparent recovery in the composition of surfactant in malnourished rats 5 d after delivery, due in fact to a decrease in controls, and an actual return to normal levels 15 to 20 d after birth. Postnatal lipid supplementation with Intralipid led to partial recovery on d 10. Inositol supplementation totally reverted the effects of malnutrition on surfactant phospholipids (8.36 +/- 0.94 nmol disaturated phosphatidylcholine/mg wet wt on d 2 versus 7.67 +/- 0.44 nmol/mg in controls and 5.55 +/- 0.62 nmol/mg in untreated malnourished rats, n = 10; 2.43 +/- 0.32 nmol disaturated phosphatidylcholine/mg wet wt on d 10 versus 3.26 +/- 0.32 nmol/mg in controls and 1.18 +/- 0.27 nmol/mg in untreated malnourished rats, n = 8).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Quantitative measurement of surfactant protein B mRNA by filter hybridization.

Background: The ability to precisely measure specific mRNA levels by hybridization to complementary DNA probes is an important tool for analyzing the regulation of gene expression. Surfactant proteins have important roles in regulating surfactant metabolism as well as in determing its physical properties. Method: The complete coding regions for rat surfactant protein complementary DNA of surfactant protein B were subcloned into pGem 3Z or 4Z such that either antisense or sense transcripts were obtained by using SP 6 RNA polymerase. Surfactant protein B mRNA was measured by filter hybridization. Results: Equation of standard curve between counts per minute (Y) and surfactant protein B mRNA transcript input (X) was Y=2034.9 X+159.1. Correlation coefficient was 1.0. Couclusions: Filter hybridization assay is suited to situation when rapid, accurate quantitation of multiple samples is required.

Specificity of lung surfactant protein SP-A for both the carbohydrate and the lipid moieties of certain neutral glycolipids.

Binding specificity of the major surfactant protein SP-A from human and dog lung has been investigated. Radiobinding experiments have shown that both proteins bind in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner to galactose, mannose, fucose, and glucose linked to bovine serum albumin. These results are in accord with a previous study in which monosaccharides were linked to agarose (Haagsman, H. P., Hawgood, S., Sargeant, T., Buckley, D., White, R. T., Drickamer, K., and Benson, B. J. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 13877-13880). Chromatogram overlays in conjunction with in situ liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (TLC-LSIMS) of several purified glycosphingolipids and neoglycolipids as well as binding assays with glycolipids immobilized on plastic wells, demonstrate recognition of galactose (human and dog SP-A), glucose, and lactose (human SP-A) in association with specific lipids. In addition, the occurrence of several neutral and acidic glycosphingolipids in human and rat extracellular surfactants and rat alveolar type II cells is described. Selected components among the neutral glycolipids are bound by radiolabeled human SP-A; these are identified by TLC-LSIMS as predominantly ceramide mono- and disaccharides (human surfactant) and ceramide tri- and tetrasaccharides (rat surfactant and type II cells). A recombinant carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of human SP-A inhibits the binding of human SP-A to galactosyl ceramide and to galactose- and mannose-bovine serum albumin, indicating that the CRD is directly involved in the binding of SP-A to these ligands. These results provide evidence for a novel type of binding specificity for proteins that have Ca(2+)-dependent CRDs and raise the possibility that glycosphingolipids are endogenous ligands for SP-A.

Structural changes in the lungs and phospholipids of the lung surfactant in rats with experimental bleomycin pneumosclerosis

Structural changes in the lungs and phospholipids of the lung surfactant in rats with experimental bleomycin pneumosclerosis

The Relationship between Lamellar Bodies and Lysosomes in Type II Pneumocytes

We have studied the relationship between lysosomes and lamellar bodies in alveolar type II (ATII) pneumocytes using a monoclonal antibody (anti-lgp-120) directed against a 120-kD rat lysosomal membrane glycoprotein and a polyclonal antibody (anti-SP-A) directed against rat surfactant protein A. The anti-lgp-120 precipitated a protein molecular mass of 120 kD from Triton cell lysates radiolabeled with [35S]methionine, and the anti-SP-A precipitated surfactant apoprotein A from the medium when analyzed under similar conditions. When ATII cells were cultured on Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm tumor basement membrane, and studied by indirect immunofluorescence, some structures seem to react with both antibodies, and others with only one. ATII cells cultured on plastic showed a major population of large vesicles that were labeled intensely with both antibodies, and a second population of vesicles that were labeled weakly and only with anti-SP-A. Analytical cell fractionation of freshly isolated ATII cells confirmed that lgp-120 was only present in structures containing the lysosomal matrix enzyme N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase. In contrast, SP-A was identified in two populations of vesicles with high phospholipid-to-protein ratios: one lacked N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and lgp-120 and contained lamellar bodies; the other contained both lysosomal markers and a heterogeneous population of organelles that included multivesicular bodies, lamellar bodies, and lysosomes. Western blots of trichloroacetic acid precipitates of cell fractions identified proteins within the lysosomal compartment that reacted with anti-SP-A, but whose molecular mass was less than 28 kD. The results indicate that, in ATII cells, surfactant is located in two functionally distinct structures, one of which is probably involved in surfactant secretion, and the other, surfactant degradation. The techniques developed in this study should allow the role of these structures in the secretion and recycling of surfactant to be determined.

Hormonal Effects on the Surfactant Protein B (SP-B) mRNA in Cultured Fetal Rat Lung

Glucocorticoids, triiodothyronine (T3), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) have been shown previously to modulate phosphatidylcholine and surfactant protein A (SP-A) synthesis in fetal rat lung explant cultures. In this report, we have examined the hormonal regulation of the rat surfactant protein B (SP-B) mRNA to determine whether SP-B expression is coordinately regulated with the surfactant phospholipids or with SP-A. Dexamethasone (1 to 200 nM) and cAMP (200 microM) had a stimulatory effect on SP-B mRNA levels, whereas T3 tended to inhibit the accumulation of SP-B mRNA. In combination experiments, treatment with dibutyryl-cAMP (200 microM) and dexamethasone (100 nM) resulted in about a 22-fold increase, whereas dexamethasone or dibutyryl-cAMP alone produced 18- and 2-fold increases, respectively. When the cAMP analogue 8-bromo-cAMP (200 microM) was used in combination with dexamethasone, there was no significant difference between the combined effect and that of dexamethasone alone. T3 treatment, however, resulted in a significant reduction of the dexamethasone-induced stimulation from about a 22-fold to a 14-fold increase. Tissue in situ hybridization showed that dexamethasone stimulated the levels of SP-B mRNA in cells from both the alveolar and bronchiolar epithelium. These data indicate that there are differences in the hormonal regulation of the components of surfactant, suggesting that they are independently regulated.

Effects of hydrogen sulfide exposure on surface properties of lung surfactant

Hydrogen sulfide is an irritant and chemical asphyxiant gas that exerts its primary toxic effects on the respiratory and neurological systems. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide above a threshold value of 200-300 ppm is characterized by the sudden onset of hemorrhagic pulmonary edema. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this response is associated with changes in the surface properties of pulmonary surfactant. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was retrieved from the lungs of Fischer 344 rats exposed to two concentrations of hydrogen sulfide or fresh air for 4 h. Surface tension-lowering properties were assayed using a captive bubble surface tensiometer. Lung injury was assessed by histopathology and measurements of total protein and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the lavagate. Marked abnormalities in surfactant activity were demonstrated in the lavagates from rats exposed to the highest concentration (300 ppm) of hydrogen sulfide. These involved the properties of adsorption to the air-water interface and surface tension lowering under quasi-static interfacial compression. Exposure to 200 ppm hydrogen sulfide had no effect on minimum surface tension despite a significant increase in protein and lactate dehydrogenase in the lavagate. This would suggest a threshold-type response for the inhibition of surfactant activity by hydrogen sulfide. In vitro studies using normal rat surfactant showed that the abnormalities in surfactant activity were due to inhibitors in the edema fluid and not to a direct effect of sulfide on surfactant. The pathophysiological consequences of increased alveolar surface tension after hydrogen sulfide exposure may need to be considered in the clinical setting.

Uptake and reutilization of surfactant phospholipids by type II cells of isolated perfused lung

To investigate the role of type II alveolar cells in surfactant uptake and reutilization while cells are in situ, the combination of isolated perfused rat lung and type II cell isolation has been used. After an equilibration period, isolated perfused rat lungs received an intratracheal injection of labeled rat surfactant or a labeled bovine-derived preparation, and the perfusion continued. At time intervals less than or equal to 3 h, lungs were lavaged and type II cells isolated. Freshly isolated cells from perfused lungs were highly viable as judged by trypan blue exclusion and by linear incorporation of labeled leucine into trichloroacetic acid precipitable protein during perfusion. After cell isolation, total phospholipid or phosphatidylcholine was extracted from cells. Incorporation of surfactant phosphatidylcholine label into cellular phosphatidylcholine was shown to be linear with time whether lungs received natural rat surfactant or bovine-derived surfactant preparation. Uptake of natural surfactant from alveoli into type II cells was approximately three times greater than uptake of bovine-derived material. Results of administration of 0.5 mumol surfactant phospholipid or 2.0 mumol were similar except that administration of 2.0 mumol of natural rat surfactant caused uptake to become saturated at 1 h of perfusion. An increase in cell-associated phosphatidylcholine occurred whether results were expressed on basis of cellular DNA or specific activity of cellular phosphatidylcholine. Majority of administered surfactant label remained lavage fluid associated at 3 h, whereas remainder was associated with isolated cells or debris from cell preparation. Little label was detected in perfusion medium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of Dexamethasone on Pulmonary Surfactant Metabolism in Hyperoxia-Treated Rat Lungs

We have examined the effect of dexamethasone on the metabolism of pulmonary surfactant in normal and hyperoxia-treated rats. The relative abundance of the surfactant-specific apoprotein A (SP-A) mRNA in lung tissues and the contents of disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and SP-A were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and in lung tissues in 4-wk-old rats exposed to room air or greater than 90% oxygen for 7 d with or without simultaneous treatment with dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg body wt for 7 d). The relative abundance of the SP-A mRNA was marginally increased by hyperoxia (1.3-fold over controls). Dexamethasone increased the relative abundance of the SP-A mRNA to a level comparable to that with hyperoxia treatment (1.5-fold over controls). In lavage fluids, the contents of DSPC and SP-A were increased by 4- and 6-fold over controls by hyperoxia, respectively, but they were increased only by 2-fold by dexamethasone. In lung tissues, the contents of DSPC and SP-A were increased by 3- and 2-fold over controls by hyperoxia, respectively. These values in lung tissues in the air-exposed rats were not significantly increased by dexamethasone. In hyperoxia-treated rats, dexamethasone did not significantly affect the relative abundance of the SP-A mRNA level and the contents of DSPC and SP-A in lavage fluids and lung tissues. These results indicate that mechanisms other than increased synthesis of SP-A are involved in hyperoxia-induced SP-A accumulation and that dexamethasone does not affect the abnormal accumulation of pulmonary surfactant induced by hyperoxia.

Localization of Pulmonary Surfactant Proteins Using Immunohistochemistry and Tissue in Situ Hybridization

Surfactant, a complex mixture of lipids and proteins, is produced by the type II alveolar epithelial cells. Numerous studies have localized surfactant protein A (SP-A) to type II cells of the lung, and recent studies have shown that the type II cells in the human lung are also the site of synthesis of SP-B, one of the hydrophobic surfactant proteins. There have been conflicting reports about additional sites of SP-A production. We have studied the localization of the mRNAs for SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C in the rat and for SP-C in the human lung by tissue in situ hybridization using cRNA probes. The mRNAs for all three rat surfactant proteins and for human SP-C were found in type II alveolar epithelial cells. In addition, the mRNAs for rat SP-A and SP-B were found in nonciliated bronchiolar cells. SP-C mRNA was not detectable in the bronchiolar cells of both rat and human lung tissue. Immunohistochemical studies in the rat lung with antisera to SP-A and SP-B confirmed the presence of the protein in cell types where the mRNA was found, as well as in some alveolar macrophages. Alveolar macrophages in both rat and human lung tissue were negative for all mRNAs. Further studies are required to ascertain whether there are differences in the processing, function, and regulation of these proteins in the different cell types that produce them.

Expression and characterization of rat surfactant protein A synthesized in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Rat surfactant protein A (SP-A) was expressed in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cell line and characterized for biologic activity using assays for receptor binding and modulation of phospholipid secretion from isolated type II cells. The CHO-K1 cell line was cotransfected with separate plasmids encoding for the rat SP-A, dihydrofolate reductase and neomycin phosphotransferase, respectively. Antibiotic (Geneticin-G418)-resistant transformants were screened by ELISA for the secretion of recombinant SP-A into the media. Northern analysis of the transfected cell lines demonstrated the expression of both 1.6 kb and 0.9 kb mRNA species for SP-A, consistent with the proposed differential polyadenylation of the primary transcript. Amplification with methotrexate resulted in a dose-dependent increase in mRNA for SP-A and a 20-fold increase in the production of recombinant SP-A relative to untreated cells. Maximum production of SP-A was 370 μg of SP-A / 1 of media in a 4-day incubation. Recombinant SP-A was purified from the serum-free media of large scale cultures of transfected, amplified CHO cells by affinity chromatography on mannose-Sepharose. The recombinant SP-A migrated similarly to native SP-A by NaDodSO 4-PAGE analysis under reducing and nonreducing conditions and under reducing conditions after digestion with N-glycanase. Recombinant SP-A effectively competed with 125I-native SP-A for binding to the high affinity receptor for SP-A on isolated plasma membranes from rat alveolar type II cells. The recombinant SP-A was as effective as native SP-A in the inhibition of secretion of phospholipid from isolated type II cells. We conclude that recombinant rat SP-A produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells is physically and functionally similar to native rat SP-A.

Surfactant protein D is a divalent cation-dependent carbohydrate-binding protein.

Surfactant protein D (SP-D, CP4) is a collagenous surfactant-associated glycoprotein synthesized by lung type II epithelial cells. SP-D can be selectively and efficiently eluted from isolated rat surfactant with glucose, maltose, and certain other saccharides. We therefore examined the ability of the purified protein to interact with carbohydrates in vitro. Saccharide-substituted bovine serum albumins (BSA neoglycoproteins) were adsorbed to plastic wells, and binding of purified SP-D was quantified with monospecific antibodies to SP-D using an indirect immunoassay. SP-D showed specific calcium-dependent binding to alpha-D-glucosidophenyl isothiocyanate-BSA and maltosyl-BSA, but negligible binding to beta-D-glucosidophenyl isothiocyanate-BSA or unconjugated BSA. The most efficient inhibitors of SP-D binding were alpha-glucosyl-containing saccharides (e.g. isomaltose, maltose, malotriose). SP-D showed quantitative binding to maltosyl-agarose and was specifically eluted with maltose or EDTA. High affinity binding to maltosyl-BSA was also demonstrated using a solution-phase polyethylene glycol precipitation assay. These studies demonstrate that SP-D is a calcium dependent lectin-like protein and that the association of SP-D with surfactant is mediated by carbohydrate-dependent interactions with specificity for alpha-glucosyl residues.