Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a heterogenous disorder of genetic or acquired etiologies characterized by intraalveolar accumulation of lipoproteinaceous material. The clinical course of the disease is variable, ranging from spontaneous remission to respiratory failure. The aim of the present study was to compare the biochemical and biophysical characteristics of broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) from a patient with PAP, during the whole lung lavage (WLL) taken after each stage of the procedure. For this purpose biochemical and biophysical analysis of the clinical samples were made. The phospholipids (PLs) and the proteins concentrations of the samples were measured. For determination of protein content in broncho-alveolar lavage samples Lowry protein assay (Peterson's modifi cation) was used. The PL's concentration was determined via extraction by the method of Blight and Dyer. Thin-layer chromatography was used for determining the phospholipid profi le of the separate phospholipid components. In addition, by using the method of Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis, the surface characteristics: equilibrium, maximal and minimal surface tension during 10 cycles of compression-decompression in the dynamic conditions, were determined. Our results showed consecutive proteins and phospholipids content decrease during the procedure. Logically, the equilibrium surface tension was increased as a result of the decreased Phospholipids/Proteins ratio. After WLL the physiological condition of the patient was improved. The present study will be of great interest for effective implementation of the procedure of whole lung lavage in the clinical practice
