[The characteristics of spontaneous rhythmical microlymphomotion]

It is now generally accepted that the spontaneous contraction of lymph vessel contributes to fluid and protein transportation from the interstitial back to bloodstream. In this study, 20 male Wistar rats with the preparation of mesentery were divided into three groups: valve group (6), control group (7), and 654-2 group (7). We studied the mechanism of valve on rhythmical microlymphomotion and the effect of 654-2, a vasoactive substance, on lymphatic contractile activity. The dynamic courses of contraction and relaxation of peripheral microlymphovessels were continuously visualized by a CCTV system. The frequency spectrum analysis of microlymphomotion (FC, AMP, and ANG), the spreading speed of peristaltic wave (C mm/s) and the contractile index (CI) were measured by using the newly developed microlymphomotion image processing system. The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences between the frequency and amplitude of microlymphomotion existed above and below the valves of microlymphovessel. There were also no significant changes in the spreading speed of peristaltic wave at the up and down stream measuring points crossing lymphatic valve. But the contractile index crossing the valve increased significantly (P < 0.05). The down stream phase angle of microlymphomotion significantly led in comparison with that of upstream (P < 0.01). 654-2 could activate and enhance lymphomotion which was inhibited by NE. An energy conversion hypothesis of lymph flow and a pacemaker hypothesis of microlymphomotion were proposed.