Pressure waves and gradients in the canine thoracic duct

1. Pressures have been measured in the thoracic duct of anaesthetized and conscious dogs to ascertain the mean pressures, the nature of the pressure waves and the pressure gradients along the duct and between it and the great veins.2. The average mean pressure in the thoracic duct of ten anaesthetized dogs was 1.4 mm Hg. The pressure waves were secondary to respiration and the pulsations of the aorta. No waves were transmitted from the great veins.3. Pressures in conscious dogs varied from day to day, sometimes being positive, sometimes negative. They were increased by panting and by drinking.4. The pressure gradients along the duct were small, no more than 0.5-2.0 mm Hg along its whole length.5. No evidence was found of spontaneous contractions of the duct.