Intracellular Edema and Dehydration: Effects on Energy Metabolism in Alveolar Macrophages

Abstract
The effects of intracellular edema and dehydration on energy metabolism in alveolar macrophages were studied. Intracellular edema increased lactate production and reversibly decreased oxygen consumption. Dehydration caused no significant change in lactate production but irreversibly decreased oxygen consumption. These phenomena may be applicable to a wide variety of clinical problems including lung and brain edema.