We investigated the time course of changes in the static respiratory system compliance and resistance in relationship to surfactant administration by means of single-breath and multiple-occlusion techniques. The study comprised 12 infants receiving a high-dose schedule (200 mg/kg, maximum 600 mg/kg) and 13 infants receiving a low-dose schedule (100 mg/kg, maximum 300 mg/kg) of porcine surfactant. Eight healthy preterm infants served as a comparison group. Respiratory mechanics were studied before and at 1.5, 8, and 72 h after surfactant administration. Results were related to changes in gas transfer, including an estimate of venous admixture. Static compliance improved after surfactant instillation, and changes were similar in the two treatment groups during the first eight h (0.8 In.(hour + 1) mL.kPa-1). The compliance values remained below the values of the healthy comparison group during the whole study period, but resistance remained at the same level. There was a considerable delay in changes of respiratory mechanics in relationship to the rapid fall of the venous admixture, from 27 to 19%, and the rapid increase of the transcutaneous oxygen pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio from 13 to 27 kPa within the hour. There were no clues that short-term changes in compliance were masked by breathing at a higher and flatter portion of the pressure-volume curve. Both treatment schedules resulted in a similar improvement of compliance within 72 h and the two groups benefited similarly in terms of venous admixture.