[The effect of calcitrin and corticotropin on pulmonary surfactant and engorgement in rats during activation of the lateral hypothalamic area].

The level of phospholipids, cholesterol, lipase activity in bronchoalveolar washes and lungs' blood capacity were studied in rats. An action exerted upon the hypothalamus led to a decrease in the surfactant lipids and the blood capacity of lungs. Possible peptidergic mechanisms of this are discussed.