ABSTRACT
This chapter describes first the linear diffusion technique emphasizing the practical aspects required to use the method. It discusses the permeability of cells from the pulmonary system to water. The cells are prepared for use by isolation, washing, and packing by centrifugation. Development of the model is based on the concept that the mean membrane resistance to diffusional movement can be separated from the other resistances present in the packed cell preparation. With the development of techniques for isolating viable cells from tissues and the culture of many cell types, the possibility of making similar measurements with other cells presented itself. Viable cells are isolated enzymatically from rabbit lungs as has been described. Alveolar macrophages, which are obtained by lavage of the lungs, have been used in the linear diffusion method. The linear diffusion technique has advantages over other techniques which are commonly used for determining diffusional permeability.
