Pleural liquid pressure

Abstract

The knowledge of pleural liquid pressure (Pliq) is essential for understanding the mechanical coupling between lung and chest wall and the liquid exchanges of the pleural space. In the last decade, research in this field contributed new ideas and stimulating controversies but also caused some confusion. These aspects, along with the older contributions, are considered in this review, which is divided into three sections. The topics of the first section are 1) measurements of Pliq with different techniques in various mammals and various regions of the pleural space, 2) comparison of Pliq with the pressure exerted by the lung recoil (Ppl), and 3) vertical gradient of Pliq and downward flow of pleural liquid. In the second section the mechanisms absorbing liquid from the pleural space are analyzed: 1) Starling forces of the visceral pleura, 2) lymphatic drainage through the stomata of the parietal pleura, and 3) active transport of solutes. The third section deals with 1) measurements of pleural liquid thickness with two approaches in the costal region of various mammals and 2) mechanisms preventing a complete removal of pleural liquid and, thus, ensuring the lubrication.