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Mechanism of colloidal particle uptake into the lymphatic system: basic study with percutaneous lymphography
F Ikomi1, G K Hanna, G W Schmid-Schönbein
1Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0412, USA.
Radiology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Colloidal particle transport into the lymphatic system depends on particle size, utilizing both extracellular and intracellular pathways. External tissue movement significantly enhances particle uptake into lymphatics.
Area of Science:
- Lymphatic transport
- Colloidal particle dynamics
- Subcutaneous tissue physiology
Background:
- Understanding particle transport in the lymphatic system is crucial for drug delivery and understanding immune responses.
- Colloidal particles can enter the lymphatic system via extracellular or intracellular routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate extracellular and intracellular colloidal particle transport from subcutaneous tissue into the lymphatic system.
- To determine the influence of particle size and external tissue manipulation on lymphatic uptake.
Main Methods:
- Injected perfluorocarbon emulsions of different particle sizes (0.34 micron and 0.06 micron) into rabbit hind foot dorsal skin.
- Measured lymph flow rates and colloid concentrations in prenodal lymph fluid.
- Assessed the effect of massage on particle transport.
Main Results:
- Extracellular colloid flux was greater than intracellular flux within 24 hours post-injection.
- Lymph flow and colloid concentrations significantly increased with massage.
- Smaller particles (0.06 micron) showed higher extracellular flux, while larger particles (0.34 micron) exhibited greater intracellular flux.
Conclusions:
- Lymphatic transport of colloids is significantly influenced by particle size.
- Both extracellular and intracellular pathways are actively involved in colloidal particle uptake.
- External tissue manipulation, such as massage, substantially increases particle uptake via both pathways.