A method for obtaining swine alveolar macrophages by segmental pulmonary lavage

A technique for obtaining alveolar macrophages (AM) from anesthetized swine is described. Animals were intubated and segmental pulmonary lavage was performed utilizing a double lumen catheter (DLC). An average of 98% of the initial 100 ml lavage fluid was recovered with a typical yield of 1 x 10(8) free alveolar cells (FAC). AM were then separated from other FAC by their adherence to plastic. The final adherent cell population consisted of greater than 95% macrophage as determined by morphology and non-specific esterase activity. The technique described had no adverse effects on the animals even when repeated on the same animal several days later.