How do solvents and antiseptics affect surfactant?
Vapors of alcohols, chlorine-containing substances, ketones, aldehydes, and other volatile chemicals can destroy the lipid structures of surfactant in the following ways:
- Chemical dissolution of lipids — alcohols and solvents have the ability to dissolve phospholipids and cholesterol, which make up the surfactant.
- Denaturation of protein components — for example, SP-A, SP-B, and other proteins of the complex lose their structure under the influence of alcohols and aldehydes.
- Oxidative stress — vapors of some antiseptics induce the formation of active oxygen species, damaging epithelial cells and disrupting surfactant production.
Liquid vapes (electronic cigarettes)
Vape liquids most commonly contain: propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, nicotine or its salts, and sometimes vitamins (for example, vitamin E acetate — particularly dangerous).
Damage to the lipid film. Glycerin and propylene glycol are hygroscopic substances — they attract water and dry out the mucosa and surfactant layer, making it unstable.
Formation of lipoid droplets. Some components of vape liquids (especially fat-soluble substances, such as vitamin E acetate) when inhaled deposit in the alveoli as fat-like inclusions, blocking the alveoli and disrupting surfactant function.
Inflammatory response. Inhaling vape vapors causes local inflammation, attracting neutrophils and macrophages, which further destroy the structure of surfactant by releasing enzymes and free radicals.
Recovery and the "maturation" period
After a single or short-term exposure to a toxic substance, the mucous membrane begins regeneration. The process of restoring surfactant in the upper respiratory tract and alveoli takes up to 15 hours. This is due to the fact that:
- producer cells (including goblet cells and type II pneumocytes) need time to synthesize and secrete new molecules;
- repair of damaged epithelium is necessary;
- local synthesis of lipids and proteins is required.
Why is hypoxia possible?
Without adequate surfactant:
- gas exchange worsens — alveoli are prone to collapse, and ventilation becomes uneven;
- resistance to breathing increases — due to dryness and irritation of the airways;
- vascular permeability increases — which can lead to mucosal edema and impaired oxygen diffusion.
This is especially dangerous during the first 15 hours after exposure, when the respiratory system has not yet had time to recover. During this time, symptoms such as:
- shortness of breath;
- dizziness;
- weakness;
- drowsiness;
- decreased saturation.
