Transudate

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Transudate is extravascular fluid with low protein content and a specific gravity <1.012. It has low nucleated cell counts (less than 500 to 1000 /microlit) and the primary cell types are mononuclear cells: macrophages, lymphocytes and mesothelia cells. For instance, an ultrafiltrate of blood plasma is transudate. It results from increased fluid pressures or diminished osmotic forces in the plasma.

In females, transudation is a method of lubrication during sexual arousal.

[edit] Pathology

The most common causes of pathologic transudate include embolism, left ventricular heart failure, and cirrhosis. (Cirrhosis leads to hypoalbuminaemia and decreasing of osmotic pressure that causes edema.)

[edit] See also

• exudate