A chemical analysis of phospholipids in rabbit Eustachian tube and in its lavages shows phosphatidylcholine (PC) as being the predominating compound, followed by sphingomyelin and phosphatidylethanolamine. As in the lung surfactant, the majority of tubal PC is represented by its disaturated form dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), known as a powerful surface-active agent. The concentration of PC and DPPC is higher in tubal washing than in the whole tissue, suggesting the existence of an active secretory process. Incubation of tubal mucosa with 14C-choline resulted in the biosynthesis of radiolabelled PC and DPPC at a ratio similar to the lung. These data provide further evidence for the existence of a surface-active agent in the Eustachian tube, chemically similar to the lung surfactant and probably produced through similar metabolic pathways.

Keywords:
Eustachian tube, Surface tension-lowering activity, Surfactant, Phosphatidylcholine
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1990 S. Karger AG, Basel
1990
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.