Constriction of lymphatics by catecholamines, carotid occlusion, or hemorrhage

Regulation of lymphatics by sympathetic nerves or hormones seems probable. To elucidate this, we perfused a lymphatic vessel in the paw of the anesthetized dog while measuring lymphatic perfusion pressure. We studied the effects of norepinephrine, epinephrine, hemorrhage, and carotid occlusion on lymphatic pressure. Blood was pumped to the forelimb via the brachial artery. Cannulas were placed to measure systemic, central venous, and forelimb vascular pressures. Catecholamines, whether added to the lymphatic perfusate or infused into the forelimb arterial blood, and bilateral carotid occlusion significantly increased lymphatic perfusion pressure. Perfusion of prenodal lymphatics disconnected from downstream vessels and nodes indicated that this increase occurred primarily in prenodal lymph vessels. Hemorrhagic hypotension to 55 mmHg did not affect lymphatic pressure but reduction to 35 mmHg did. The increase in lymphatic pressure produced by epinephrine and norepinephrine was blocked by phentolamine. Increased lymphatic perfusion pressure subsequent to exogenous catecholamines, severe hemorrhagic hypotension, or bilateral carotid occlusion supports the possibility that lymphatic function is modulated by adrenergic mechanisms in physiological and/or pathophysiological states.