Distribution and mixing of a liquid bolus in pleural space

Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2006 Feb 28;150(2-3):287-99. doi: 10.1016/j.resp.2005.04.022. Epub 2005 Jun 13.

Abstract

Distribution and mixing time of boluses with labeled albumin in pleural space of anesthetized, supine rabbits were determined by sampling pleural liquid at different times in various intercostal spaces (ics), and in cranial and caudal mediastinum. During sampling, lung and chest wall were kept apposed by lung inflation. This was not necessary in costo-phrenic sinus. Here, 10 min after injection, lung inflation increased concentration of labeled albumin by 50%. Lung inflation probably displaces some pleural liquid cranio-caudally, increasing labeled albumin concentration caudally to injection point (6th ics), and decreasing it cranially. Boluses of 0.1-1 ml did not preferentially reach mediastinal regions, as maintained by others. Time for an approximate mixing was approximately 1 h for 0.1 ml, and approximately 30 min for 1 ml. This relatively long mixing time does not substantially affect determination of contribution of lymphatic drainage through stomata to overall removal of labeled albumin from 0.3 ml hydrothoraces lasting 3 h [Bodega, F., Agostoni, E., 2004. Contribution of lymphatic drainage through stomata to albumin removal from pleural space. Respir. Physiol. Neurobiol. 142, 251-263].

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Albumins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Body Fluids / physiology*
  • Capillary Permeability
  • Pleura / cytology
  • Pleural Cavity / metabolism*
  • Pleural Effusion
  • Rabbits
  • Supine Position / physiology
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Albumins