ABSTRACT
This chapter describes animal models of lung surfactant deficiency and dysfunction used in studying exogenous surfactant replacement therapy for RDS and ARDS. Research in animal models of surfactant deficiency has been essential for understanding the physiological actions of lung surfactant and for building a foundation for successful clinical trials of exogenous surfactant therapy for RDS in premature infants. Research in animal models has also been important in defining the physiological consequences of lung surfactant dysfunction and the potential clinical utility of exogenous surfactant therapy for ARDS-related acute lung injury. This chapter discusses a variety of animal models of RDS and acute lung injury and illustrates their use in studying the efficacy of exogenous surfactant replacement interventions.
