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Interstitial fluid, plasma protein, colloid, and leukocyte uptake into initial lymphatics
1Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0412, USA.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Foot massage significantly enhances lymphatic transport of proteins, colloids, and leukocytes from tissues. Unlike venous pressure elevation, massage effectively moves materials into initial lymphatics.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Lymphatic System Biology
Background:
- Lymphatics are crucial for interstitial fluid and material clearance.
- Factors enhancing lymph flow are known, but their impact on material transport is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how enhanced lymph flow affects the uptake of plasma proteins, colloidal particles, and leukocytes.
- To compare the effects of foot massage and elevated venous pressure on lymphatic transport.
Main Methods:
- Cannulation of prenodal collecting lymphatics in rabbit hindlimbs.
- Induction of enhanced lymph flow via foot massage and venous pressure elevation (40 mmHg).
- Measurement of lymph flow rates, lymph-to-plasma protein concentration, colloid concentration, and leukocyte counts.
Main Results:
- Foot massage increased lymph flow ~22-fold, while venous pressure elevation increased it ~3-fold.
- Massage elevated lymph colloid and leukocyte concentrations significantly (47x and 8.5x, respectively).
- Venous pressure elevation decreased lymph-to-plasma protein ratio and colloid/leukocyte concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Skin movement (massage) and venous pressure elevation have opposing effects on lymphatic transport kinetics.
- Foot massage is more effective than venous pressure elevation for enhancing interstitial material transport into initial lymphatics.