Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Co-staining Blood Vessels and Nerve Fibers in Adipose Tissue
Published on: February 13, 2019
Lymphatic Vasculature in Energy Homeostasis and Obesity
Yen-Chun Ho1, R Sathish Srinivasan1,2
1Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States.
Abstract:
Obesity is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Body mass is regulated by the balance between energy uptake and energy expenditure. The etiology of obesity is determined by multiple factors including genetics, nutrient absorption, and inflammation. Lymphatic vasculature is starting to be appreciated as a critical modulator of metabolism and obesity. The primary function of lymphatic vasculature is to maintain interstitial fluid homeostasis. Lymphatic vessels absorb fluids that extravasate from blood vessels and return them to blood circulation. In addition, lymphatic vessels absorb digested lipids from the intestine and regulate inflammation. Hence, lymphatic vessels could be an exciting target for treating obesity. In this article, we will review our current understanding regarding the relationship between lymphatic vasculature and obesity, and highlight some open questions.
Related Concept Videos
Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular...
Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Overview of the Vascular System
Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
Veins as Blood Reservoirs
Hypodermis

