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Surgical pathophysiology of the lymphatic system
Zeitschrift Fur Experimentelle Chirurgie
|February 1, 1981
Summary
Lymph vessels exhibit rhythmic contractions influencing lymph flow, with significant daily variations in flow and protein concentration based on body position and activity. Immune defense in lymph appears weaker than in blood.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lymphatic system plays a crucial role in fluid balance and immune surveillance.
- Understanding lymph dynamics is essential for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of human leg lymph, including flow, pressure, and composition.
- To explore the influence of body position and activity on lymph dynamics.
- To compare the immune components in lymph with those in blood.
Main Methods:
- Cannulation of leg lymph vessels in 25 healthy men using polyethylene tubes.
- Measurement of lymph quantity, immunoglobulin and complement levels, cell counts, and pressure.
- Observation of variations in lymph parameters based on body position and activity.
Main Results:
- Lymph vessels show rhythmic contractions, potentially determining lymph flow.
- Lymph flow and protein concentration exhibit 24-hour variations influenced by body position and activity.
- Lymph flow is lower during nighttime rest.
- Upright posture leads to decreased lymph protein concentration, possibly due to washout.
- Immune defense in interstitial fluid and lymph appears less robust than in blood.
Conclusions:
- Rhythmic contractions of lymph vessels are a significant factor in lymph flow regulation.
- Body position and physical activity profoundly impact human leg lymph dynamics.
- The immune capacity of lymph is comparatively weaker than that of blood, suggesting distinct roles in immune surveillance.