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Lymph flow in instrumented dogs varies with exercise intensity
Pratikkumar Desai1, Arthur G Williams, Parna Prajapati
1Department of Integrative Physiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA.
Lymphatic Research and Biology
|September 25, 2010
Summary
Exercise significantly increases lymph flow in the thoracic duct, with higher intensities yielding greater flow. This study quanties the positive correlation between exercise intensity and lymphatic system function.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Lymphatic System Dynamics
Background:
- The relationship between exercise and lymphatic fluid transport is widely accepted but not quantitatively defined.
- Previous research has not directly measured lymph flow in response to varying exercise intensities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the relationship between exercise intensity and lymph flow in the thoracic duct.
- To determine if lymph flow is directly proportional to exercise levels.
Main Methods:
- Five dogs were surgically fitted with ultrasonic flow transducers on the thoracic lymph duct and aortic catheters.
- Dogs underwent treadmill exercise, with speeds increasing stepwise from 0 to 10 mph and decreasing from 10 to 0 mph.
- Lymph flow, heart rate, and mean aortic pressure were measured during rest, exercise, and recovery periods.
Main Results:
- Resting lymph flow averaged 1.7 ± 0.2 ml/min.
- Exercise at 1.5 mph increased lymph flow by 121% to 3.9 ± 0.6 ml/min (P < 0.01).
- Lymph flow reached 9.0 ± 1.6 ml/min (419% increase) at 10 mph (P < 0.01), demonstrating a linear correlation with treadmill speed.
Conclusions:
- Thoracic duct lymph flow exhibits a positive correlation with exercise intensity.
- Lymphatic transport capacity significantly increases with physical exertion.
- Lymph flow rapidly returns to baseline levels post-exercise.
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