[Effect of hyperoncotic volume administration on capillary protein filtration and lymph flow in the thoracic duct]

The effect of an intravenous injection (2 ml/kg) of hyperoncotic (30 g%) Dextran (MW 60000) or Albumin on lymph formation and thoracic duct lymph flow was studied in 16 dogs. As a result of the injection, plasma colloid osmotic pressure increased, plasma volume increased due to fluid reabsorption from the extravascular compartment, and thus cardiac output became enhanced. Total body lymph formation was not affected as shown by an unchanged transcapillary disappearance rate of macromolecules. Thoracic duct lymph flow, however, was increased. The concomitant augmentation of lymph protein concentration and the elevated hepatic blood flow following the injection of hyperoncotic Dextran show that the increased thoracic duct lymph flow was probably brought about by an increase in hepatic lymph flow.