Failure of intestinal lymphatic block to prevent experimental hypercholesterolemia

Intestinal lymphatic blockade was produced in dogs by ligating the individual lymphatics and then obturating them with an acrylic solution. Despite meticulous technique a complete and lasting lymphatic block could not be produced. Extensive collateral channels developed via the omental, the colonic, the renal and the retroperitoneal lymphatics. Some of the vessels recanalized. Absorptions studied using C-14 octanoic and H-3 oleic acid suggested that although the lymphatic blockade was partially successful in lowering the content of oleic and octanoic acid in the lymph, direct lymphovenous transport compensated for the lymphatics' obstruction. The cholesterol values of the lymph blocked dogs were not lower than those of the controls. Intestinal lymphatic obstructions does not appear to be a practical approach to the prevention or treatment of hypercholesterolemia.