Pulmonary surfactant is a lipoprotein complex composed primarily of phospholipid and lungspecific apoproteins that reduces surface tension in the alveolus and maintains alveolar stability at low lung volume. Three families of lung-specific apoproteins have been described: SP-A, a glycoprotein with a reduced molecular weight of 28~36 KDa. SP-B a hydrophobic protein with a nonreduced molecular weight of 18 KDa, and SP-C a hydrophobic protein with a non-reduced molecular weight of 5~8 KDa. Surfactant proteins have important roles in regulating surfactant metabolism as well as in determining its physical properties. The synthesis of the active surfactant peptides appears to be modulated by system with considerable complexity, including numerous levels of regulation such as cell-specific, hormonal and developmental controls. Endotoxin appears to alter surfactant protein mRNAs differentially. It is hoped that the elucidation of the factors controlling the synthesis and metabolism of the surfactant proteins will aid in understanding the pathogenesis of hyaline membrane disease and offer new avenues for the therapy and diagnosis of ther pulmonary disorders as well.