Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Flow Cytometry Analysis of Immune Cell Subsets within the Murine Spleen, Bone Marrow, Lymph Nodes and Synovial Tissue in an Osteoarthritis Model
Published on: April 24, 2020
Upper limb lymphatic function in inflammatory arthritis
P D Kiely1, J M Bland, A E Joseph
1Department of Rheumatology, St. George's Hospital, London, UK.
Objective:
To determine the effect of inflammatory arthritis on lymphatic function in the upper limb.
Methods:
Lymphoscintigraphy was used to measure lymphatic drainage in the upper limbs of 3 groups of patients: Group 1, inflammatory arthritis and edema (N = 10); Group 2, inflammatory arthritis and no edema (N = 18); and Group 3, healthy controls (N = 11).
Results:
Lymphatic drainage was reduced significantly in Group 1 but was the same in Groups 2 and 3. Multiple regression analysis failed to show any effect of arthritis on lymphatic drainage.
Conclusion:
Inflammatory arthritis alone does not impair lymphatic drainage in the upper limbs. The results suggest that the presence of edema is primarily attributable to an unrelated abnormality influencing lymphatic function.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Lymphatic Vessels and Lymph Transport
This one-way system allows fluids, solutes, and even pathogens to enter but prevents their return to the intercellular spaces.
Secondary Lymphoid Organs
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

