Studies on Pulmonary Alveolar Macrophages from the Normal Rabbit: A Technique to Procure Them in a High State of Purity

Abstract

A technique is described for procuring large numbers of alveolar macrophages in a high state of purity, uniformity and viability from normal rabbit lungs. The macrophages can be maintained in tissue culture and are phagocytic but multiplication has not been observed. The cells undergo marked changes in volume with little loss of viability when exposed to osmotic changes. The studies are interpreted as indicating that these alveolar macrophages comprise a constitutive flora of the normal rabbit lung.