Use of intracellular calcium chelators to increase surfactant secretion in the lungs

摘要

Pulmonary surfactant is required in order to reduce surface tension in the lungs so that less effort is needed to reinflate the lungs after exhalation. A number of diseases and conditions exist that disrupt the normal flow of surfactant secretion, resulting in respiratory distress or failure. The present invention provides a method of treating a patient in respiratory distress syndrome wherein a surfactant deficiency has occurred, thereby restoring a normal respiratory function.