Genetic Regulation of Surfactant Deficiency

We administer stable isotopically labeled precursors of surfactant phospholipids (\[1-13C1\] acetate) and of surfactant protein-B (\[5,5,5-2H3\] leucine) to infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Using mass spectrometry, we measure incorporation of stable isotopically labeled precursors in tracheal aspirates and compare surfactant phospholipid and surfactant protein-B turnover.