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THE FILTERING CAPACITY OF LYMPH NODES
C K Drinker1, M E Field, H K Ward
1Department of Physiology, The Harvard School of Public Health, and the Department of Bacteriology, The Harvard Medical School, Boston.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Normal lymph nodes demonstrate high filtration efficiency, effectively trapping streptococci and erythrocytes. This suggests resting lymph nodes prevent microorganism spread early in infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Physiology
Background:
- Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the immune response.
- Understanding lymph node filtration is vital for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the filtration efficiency of canine lymph nodes.
- To determine the capacity of lymph nodes to filter microorganisms under varying physiological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Perfusing isolated canine popliteal and iliac lymph nodes with erythrocytes and streptococci.
- Simulating physiological lymph flow and pressure, including conditions of inflammatory swelling.
- Quantifying filtration using experimental protocols.
Main Results:
- Normal lymph nodes exhibit significant filtering capabilities.
- High efficiency was observed in preventing microorganism passage under resting conditions.
- Filtration efficiency was assessed under both normal and inflamed states.
Conclusions:
- Canine lymph nodes possess a high degree of filtering efficiency.
- Resting lymph nodes effectively prevent the escape of microorganisms into the lymphatic system.
- This filtration capacity is critical in limiting early infection spread.
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