Abstract
Each normal rabbit pleural space contains approximately 0.2 ml of collectable, clear liquid. This fluid has a total cell count of 1503±414 cells/mm3, the majority of which are monocytic cells. Pleural fluid total protein concentration (1.4±0.1 gm/100 ml) is approximately 20%, and lactic dehydrogenase concentration (129±6 Wrobleski U/ml) is approximately 40% of that found in blood. Pleural fluid and blood glucose were equivalent, and venous serum chloride concentration was slightly higher than the simultaneously measured pleural fluid value. Normal rabbit pleural fluid is alkaline; the value of 7.66±0.02 probably is slightly higher than the actual pH value owing to the escape of CO2. A 8–9 mEq/liter HCO −3 gradient was found between pleural fluid and venous blood. The HCO −3 gradient cannot be explained by the Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium, suggesting that a process of active transport, possibly chloride pumping, is involved.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adamson, T. M., Waxman, B. P.: Carbonic dehydratase and the fetal lung. In: Lung Liquids. Ciba Foundation Symposium, Vol. 38, p. 221–234. New York: Elsevier, 1976
Agostoni, E., Taglietti, A., Setnikar, I.: Absorption force of the capillaries of the visceral pleura in determination of the intrapleural pressure. Am. J. Physiol.191, 277–282 (1957)
Agostoni, E.: Thickness and pressure of the pleural liquid. In: The pulmonary circulation and interstitial space, p. 65–77. Fishman, A. P., Hecht, H. H. (eds.) Chicago: University of Chicago Press 1969
Agostoni, E.: Mechanics of the pleural space. Physiol. Rev.52, 57–128 (1972)
Burg, M., Green, N.: Function of the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop. Am. J. Physiol.224, 659–668 (1973)
Buzza, E., Lillig, J., Sternberg, J. D.: Simultaneous electrochemical determination of total CO2 and chloride. Clin. Chem.21, 980 (1975)
Carter, M. J.: Carbonic anhydrase: Isoenzymes, properties, distribution and functional significance. Biol. Rev.47, 465–513 (1972)
Cotlove, E.: Determination of chloride in biological materials. Methods Biochem. Anal.12, 277–391 (1964)
Cunningham, R. S.: The physiology of serous membranes. Physiol. Rev.6, 242–280 (1926)
Fawcett, J. K.: Semimicro-Kjeldahl method for the determination of nitrogen. J. Med. Lab. Technol.12, 1–22 (1954)
Fishman, R. A.: Carrier transport of glucose between blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Am. J. Physiol.206, 836–844 (1964)
Gatzy, J. T.: Ion transport across the excised bullforg lung. Am. J. Physiol.228, 1162–1171 (1975)
Good, J. T., Jr., Taryle, D. A., Sahn, S. A.: Pleural fluid acidosis: Narrowing the differential diagnosis of the exudative pleural effusion. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. [Suppl.]117, 120 (1978)
Hayek, H. von: The human lung. New York: Hafner 1960
Landis, E. M., Pappenheimer, J. R.: Exchange of substances through the capillary walls. In: Handbook of physiology. Circulation, Vol. 2, p. 961. Washington, DC: Am. Physiol. Soc. 1963
Light, R. W., MacGregor, M. I., Luchsinger, P. C., Ball, W. C., Jr.: Pleural effusions: The diagnostic separation of transudates and exudates. Ann. Intern. Med.77, 507–513 (1972)
Maetz, J.: Transport of ions and water across the epithelium of fish gills. In: Lung liquids. Ciba Foundation Symposium, Vol. 38, p. 133–159. New York: Elsevier 1976
McGuckin, W. F., Power, M. H.: Determination of blood sugar by an automatic method. Clin. Chem.4, 541 (1958)
Miserocchi, G., Agostoni, E.: Contents of the pleural space. J. Appl. Physiol.30, 208–213 (1971)
Olver, R. E., Strang, L. B.: Ion fluxes across the pulmonary epithelium and the secretion of lung liquid in the foetal lamb. J. Physiol. (Lond.)241, 327–357 (1974)
Olver, R. E., Davis, B., Marin, M. G., Nadel, J. A.: Active transport of Na+ and Cl− across the canine tracheal epithelium in vitro. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis.112, 811–815 (1975)
Potts, D. E., Levin, D. C., Sahn, S. A.: Pleural fluid pH in parapneumonic effusions. Chest70, 328–331 (1976)
Potts, D. E., Willcox, M. L., Good, J. T., jr., Taryle, D. A., Sahn, S. A.: The acidosis of low glucose effusions. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis.117, 665–671 (1978)
Rohrer, F.: Physiologie der Atembewegung. In: Handbuch der Normalen und Pathologischen Physiologie, Bd. 2, S. 70 Bethe, A., Bergmann, B. W., Embden, G., Ellinger, A. (Hrsg.). Berlin: Springer 1925
Rolf, L. L., Travis, D. M.: Pleural fluid-plasma bicarbonate gradients in oxygen-toxic and normal rats. Am. J. Physiol.224, 857–861 (1973)
Scatchard, B., Scheinberg, I. H., Armstrong, S. H., jr.: Physical chemistry of protein solutions. IV. The combination of human serum albumin with chloride ion. J. Am. Chem. Soc.72, 535–540 (1950)
Setnikar, I., Agostoni, E., Taglietti, A.: Entita, caratteristiche e oringe della depressione pleurica. Arch. Sci. Biol. Bologna41, 312–325 (1957)
Stauffer, J. L., Potts, D. E., Sahn, S. A.: Cellular content of the rabbit pleural space. Acta Cytol.22, 570–574 (1978)
Stewart, P. B., Burgen, A. S. V.: The turnover of fluid in the dog’s pleural cavity. J. Lab. Clin. Med.52, 212–230 (1958)
Wrobleski, F., LaDue, J. S.: Lactic dehydrogenase activity in blood. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol.90, 210–213 (1955)
Yamada, S.: Über die seröse Flüssigkeit in der Pleurahöhle der gesunden Menschen. Z. Ges. Exp. Med.90, 342–348 (1933)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This work was supported in part by an American Lung Association Fellowship (Dr. Potts), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Young Pulmonary Investigator Research Grant No. HL 17237 (Dr. Sahn), Milheim Foundation Project No. 77 – 37 (Dr. Sahn), and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Training Grant No. 07085 (Dr. Good).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sahn, S.A., Willcox, M.L., Good, J.T. et al. Characteristics of normal rabbit pleural fluid: Physiologic and biochemical implications. Lung 156, 63–69 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02713992
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02713992