[Normal values of cell distribution and function in the human alveolus. Bronchoalveolar lavage as a diagnostic tool in intensive care medicine].

The cell distribution and cell function in the normal human alveolar were determined in 23 healthy subjects by obtaining the pulmonary lavage fluid from bronchoalveolar lavage. A uniform alveolar cell spectrum was found. (Alveolar macrophages 95-98%, polymorphonuclear neutrophils 2-3%, lymphocytes 0-2%.) The cell systems reacted reproducibly to a defined phagocytosis stimulation in luminol-enhanced chemoluminescence. The phospholipid lung profile, which is important for the function of the surfactant, was determined by means of high-pressure liquid chromatography. The typical inflammation mediators were not present in the humoral spectrum of the supernatant part of the lavage fluid. Albumin, transferrin, and alpha-1-antitrypsin were regularly seen in healthy adults in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The results supply the basis for the interpretation of the findings in polytraumatised patients in adult respiratory distress syndrome.