[Alveolar surfactant and experimental diabetes (protective action of citicoline)].

Above normal or normal S.R. values (0,70-0,90) (S.R. = 0,81 +/- 0,11), were noted in 13 alloxaneinduced diabetic rabbits treated with CDP-choline, and decreased values (S.R. = 0,57 +/- 0,06) in 9 diabetic rabbits not so treated. This difference was statistically significant (P less than 0,001). The results show that CDP-choline can protect surfactant from damage caused by alloxane-induced diabetes. The most likely explanation is increased synthesis of dipalmitoyllecithin, by intervention of CDP-choline, as cofactor, on lipid metabolism in the lung.