Apoptotis and inflammatory processes may, in part, concern alveolar tissue. Research in the field of biomarkers is now opening new perspectives with the development of non-invasive tests allowing for monitoring inflammation and damage in the deep lung. Blood tests (Bernard, Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 2005) measuring lung-specific proteins (pneumoproteins) such as Clara cell protein (CC16) and surfactant-associated proteins (A, B or D) are now available to evaluate the permeability and/or the cellular integrity of the pulmonary epithelium. These dosages may constitute an interesting way for monitoring the quality of the lung before implantation.