1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol is a phosphatidylglycerol in which the 1- and 2-acyl groups are specified as palmitoyl and oleoyl respectively. It is functionally related to a hexadecanoic acid and an oleic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol(1-).
PharmacodynamicsPalmitoyloleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol is a replacement surfactant which prevents alveolar collapse when administered intratracheally.
Mechanism of ActionPalmitoyloleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol reduces interfacial tension at the air/water interfaces in the alveoli. This prevents the tension from pulling the alveolar membranes inwards which would collapse them and lead to respiratory distress.