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Interrelationship of pleural and pulmonary interstitial liquid
J P Wiener-Kronish1, V C Broaddus
1Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Annual Review of Physiology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Lung interstitial liquid can flow into the pleural space, forming pleural effusion during hydrostatic and permeability edema. This pathway helps clear excess fluid, protecting lung function.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Physiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lung interstitial liquid accumulation can lead to pleural effusion.
- This phenomenon occurs in both hydrostatic and increased permeability edema.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the route of interstitial liquid flow into the pleural space.
- To determine the conditions and consequences of pleural effusion in lung edema.
Main Methods:
- Experimental studies involving hydrostatic and increased permeability edema models.
- Measurement of extravascular lung water and observation of pleural effusion development.
Main Results:
- Pleural effusion forms when extravascular lung water exceeds approximately 5.0 g/g dry lung.
- Effusion typically appears about 2 hours after edema onset.
- This pleural route acts as a clearance mechanism for lung interstitial edema.
Conclusions:
- The pleural space serves as a significant route for lung interstitial liquid drainage.
- Pleural effusion formation is a protective mechanism against alveolar edema.
- Obliterating the pleural space can impair edema clearance and lower the threshold for alveolar edema.