Contractility of human leg lymphatics during exercise before and after indomethacin

Subcutaneous lymphatics in the lower leg were catheterized in the retrograde direction in 6 healthy male subjects. The catheter was connected to a pressure transducer, and pressure was measured during three stages of exercise including standing, tip-toeing, and running in place. Before the third stage, indomethacin (50mg) was given i.v. Rhythmic pressure waves were registered in each subject. During the second stage, when the subjects were "warmed up," the frequency (min-1) was 2.4 +/- 0.5 (mean +/- SEM). The corresponding values during tip-toeing and running were 5.8 +/- 0.7 (p less than 0.05) and 5.4 +/- 0.5 (p less than 0.05), respectively. The amplitudes (mean values between 3.2-4.7mmHg while standing) were not consistently altered during tip-toeing or running in any of the three stages. During standing there was a negative correlation between frequency and amplitude. No such correlation was found during tip-toeing or running, or after injection of indomethacin. Indomethacin did not significantly alter any of the measured parameters, but in two subjects the frequencies and amplitudes were decreased (about 50%) during standing, tip-toeing, and running.