Articles

THE INFLUENCE OF ABSORPTION / ENTEROSORPTION AND PARTIAL OCCLUSION OF THE PORTAL VEIN ON THE QUANTITY AND COMPOSITION OF THE INTESTINAL LYMPH

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Abstract

What influence does the admixture of absorbed water exert on the rate of flow and composition of the lymph? To analyse this question rats were given twice distilled water 20 ml/kg intraduodenally. As a result of this fluid loading, lymph flow rose to approx. 400% of its initial value, and this lymphagogue reaction lasted some 30 min. There was a time-related decrease in PVP filtration coefficient end in the total density and the protein content of the lymph. However, the decrease in these values was less than would have been expected from the "dilution effect" caused by the absorption of the water.

After intraduodenel instillation of mannitol solution (six times isotonic in relation to blood} in a dose of 7 ml/kg there was enterosorption of water out of the blood into the intestinal lumen, or in other words this induced a reverse flow of water against the direction of intestinal absorption. As might be expected, the quantity of intestinal lymph diminished, while the PVP filtration coefficient end the density and protein content of the lymph rose, though once again less than would have been expected from the decrease in lymph flow.

After partial occlusion of the portal vein for 10 min lymph flow rose to an average of seven times its initial value. Under these conditions there was also a decrease in the PVP filtration coefficient end In the density and protein content of the lymph, which once again was less than might have been expected from the increase in lymph flow.

Intestinal lymph occupies a special position among the lymphs produced by the organs of the body in that it is derived from two sources: capillary filtration and absorbed water. In view of the behaviour of the PVP filtration coefficient and the density and protein content of the lymph under various conditions - absorption of protein-free water, enterosorption of fluid from the blood into the intestinal lumen, and partial occlusion of the portal vein (which raises capillary filtration pressure) - it seems implausible that the plasma-lymph barrier can be envisaged merely as a simple membrane with pores and leaks. The concept of a matrix-like layer seems to offer a much better explanation of the experimental results.

How to Cite:

Vogel, G., Martensen, L. & Hinghofer-Szalkay, H., (1982) “THE INFLUENCE OF ABSORPTION / ENTEROSORPTION AND PARTIAL OCCLUSION OF THE PORTAL VEIN ON THE QUANTITY AND COMPOSITION OF THE INTESTINAL LYMPH”, Lymphology 15(2), 43-50.