Bench-to-bedside review: The role of the alveolar epithelium in the resolution of pulmonary edema in acute lung injury

Clearance of pulmonary edema fluid is accomplished by active ion transport, predominantly by the alveolar epithelium. Various ion pumps and channels on the surface of the alveolar epithelial cell generate an osmotic gradient across the epithelium, which in turn drives the movement of water out of the airspaces. Here, the mechanisms of alveolar ion and fluid clearance are reviewed. In addition, many factors that regulate the rate of edema clearance, such as catecholamines, steroids, cytokines, and growth factors, are discussed. Finally, we address the changes to the alveolar epithelium and its transport processes during acute lung injury (ALI). Since relevant clinical outcomes correlate with rates of edema clearance in ALI, therapies based on our understanding of the mechanisms and regulation of fluid transport may be developed.