Articles

THE EFFECT OF ANESTHESIA AND SURGERY ON DIAPHRAGMATIC LYMPH VESSEL FLOW AFTER ENDOTOXIN IN SHEEP

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Abstract

Increases in diaphragmatic lymph vessel flow (Q_di) may be important in preventing ascites because diaphragmatic lymph vessels drain the peritoneal space. However, lymphatic vessel function may be depressed in anesthetized, open chested animals. To test this hypothesis, we cannulated diaphragmatic lymph vessels in five sheep which were anesthetized with 1-2% halothane. We performed a thoracotomy and cannulated a diaphragmatic lymph vessel in each sheep. Then we infused 0.75-1.0 micrograms/kg of E. coli endotoxin intravenously and we measured Q_di and the lymph protein concentration for 2-4 hrs. The data were compared to previously reported data for five unanesthetized sheep (J. Appl. Physiol. 62:706-710, 1987). At baseline Q_di = 0.8 +/- 0.7 (SD) in the anesthetized sheep and 1.0 +/- 0.8 ml/hr in the unanesthetized sheep. After endotoxin, Q_di increased to 4.5 +/- 3.1 ml/hr in the unanesthetized sheep (p less than 0.05) but Q_di did not change in the anesthetized sheep. However, the lymph protein concentration increased similarly in each group, indicating that endotoxin caused the same degree of injury in each group. Our results indicate that diaphragmatic lymph vessel function is depressed in anesthetized, open chested sheep.

How to Cite:

Elk, J., Adair, T., Drake, R. & Gabel, J., (1990) “THE EFFECT OF ANESTHESIA AND SURGERY ON DIAPHRAGMATIC LYMPH VESSEL FLOW AFTER ENDOTOXIN IN SHEEP”, Lymphology 23(3), 145-148.