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Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport

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Lymphatic vessels, known as lymphatics, are crucial in transporting lymph from peripheral tissues to our venous system. This process begins with lymph entering through tiny capillaries that branch through tissues. These capillaries have unique features such as larger diameters, thinner walls, and a distinctive one-way valve system formed by overlapping endothelial cells.
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Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System

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Updated: May 26, 2026

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as a Useful Adjunctive Tool for Pneumonia

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as a Useful Adjunctive Tool for Pneumonia

Published on: May 6, 2014

Lymphatic pump manipulation mobilizes inflammatory mediators into lymphatic circulation.

Artur Schander¹, H Fred Downey, Lisa M Hodge

¹Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.

Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood, N.J.)

|December 16, 2011

Summary

Osteopathic lymphatic pump techniques (LPTs) mobilize inflammatory mediators like MCP-1 and cytokines into lymphatic circulation. This transient increase in mediator flux supports LPT

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Physiology
Lymphatic System Research

Background:

Lymph stasis contributes to edema, inflammation, and disease by impeding interstitial fluid clearance.
Osteopathic lymphatic pump techniques (LPTs) have previously shown efficacy in increasing lymph flow.
Understanding the impact of LPTs on inflammatory mediator transport is crucial for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate whether lymphatic pump techniques (LPTs) enhance the lymphatic circulation of inflammatory mediators.
To determine the effect of LPTs on the concentration and flux of specific cytokines, chemokines, and oxidative stress markers in lymph.

Main Methods:

Lymphatic fluid was collected from dogs under anesthesia during resting, active LPT, and post-LPT phases.
Concentrations of various inflammatory mediators, including IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, keratinocyte chemoattractant, SOD, and NT, were measured in lymph.
Lymphatic flux of these mediators was calculated and compared across the different phases.

Main Results:

LPT significantly increased monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) concentrations in thoracic duct lymph.
LPT enhanced the lymphatic flux of cytokines and chemokines in both thoracic and intestinal ducts compared to baseline.
Increased lymphatic flux of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitrotyrosine (NT) was observed during LPT, returning to baseline post-intervention.

Conclusions:

Lymphatic pump techniques transiently increase the lymphatic circulation of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and chemokines.
The observed re-distribution of inflammatory mediators suggests a potential mechanism for LPT in enhancing immune function.
These findings provide a scientific basis for the clinical use of LPT in managing conditions related to lymph stasis and inflammation.