Filtration coefficient obtained by stepwise pressure elevation in isolated dog lung.

The base-line capillary filtration coefficient (Kf) obtained from rates of lobe weight gain during stepwise vascular pressure elevation is reported to be threefold greater in isolated than in intact dog lung. To further evaluate the stepwise pressure elevation technique, we obtained Kf in control and oleic acid-injured isolated lung. The left lower lung lobe was removed, placed on a balance, ventilated, and pump perfused with autogenous blood. Saline (n = 6) or oleic acid (n = 6) was infused, and rate of lobe weight gain was obtained during stepwise pressure elevation. Kf averaged 0.071 +/- 0.012 and 0.243 +/- 0.027 ml X min-1 X Torr-1 X 100 g-1 in the control and injured lobes, respectively. Stepwise pressure elevation can yield a base-line Kf in isolated lung similar to Kf's obtained from this and other gravimetric methods in intact and isolated lung. Furthermore, Kf increased severalfold following lung injury with oleic acid. The stepwise pressure elevation technique for Kf determination in isolated lung can be a useful tool for quantitating changes in vascular permeability.