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Effect of concentration on albumin diffusion in lung interstitium
X L Qiu1, L V Brown, S Parameswaran
1Center for Biomedical Engineering and Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0070, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|August 4, 1998
Summary
Pulmonary interstitial constituents do not restrict albumin diffusion. The albumin diffusion coefficient in the lung interstitium is similar to free diffusion, indicating no significant hindrance.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary physiology
- Biophysics
- Macromolecular transport
Background:
- Macromolecule transport across the lung interstitium is crucial for lung function.
- This transport is influenced by both fluid flow and diffusion processes.
- Understanding diffusion is key to comprehending solute movement within lung tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diffusion of albumin within the lung interstitium.
- To quantify the albumin diffusion coefficient (D) in lung tissue.
- To determine if lung interstitial components impede albumin diffusion.
Main Methods:
- Isolated rabbit lungs were inflated with silicone rubber and sectioned.
- A diffusion chamber with an interstitial cuff was created.
- Tracer 125I-albumin diffusion was measured over 60 hours using a scintillation detector.
Main Results:
- Albumin diffusion showed a time delay followed by steady-state flow.
- The calculated albumin diffusion coefficient (D) averaged 6.6 x 10(-7) cm2/s.
- The interstitial cuff thickness-to-vessel radius ratio (Th0/R) was 0.047 ± 0.024, independent of albumin concentration.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary interstitial constituents do not restrict albumin diffusion.
- The measured diffusion coefficient is comparable to free albumin diffusion.
- These findings suggest unimpeded movement of albumin within the lung interstitium.