Articles

CONTRIBUTION OF THE LIVER THORACIC DUCT LYMPH FLOW IN A MOTIONLESS SUBJECT

Authors
  • WP Mobley
  • K Kintner
  • Cl Witte
  • MH Witte

Abstract

To ascertain the contribution of the liver to thoracic duct lymph (TDL) flow in a resting subject, afferent hepatic blood flow was temporarily interrupted in dogs by placing an atraumatic clamp across the hepatoduodenal ligament containing the hepatic artery, portal vein and 80% of hepatic lymphatic drainage. To circumvent extrahepatic splanchnic venous sequestration, a side-to-side portacaval shunt (S-S-PCS) was constructed prior to interrupting blood flow. Portal venous pressure, cervical TDL flow, and total protein content were serially monitored.

TDL and total protein after S-S-PCS was comparable to that recorded in dogs without celiotomy (0.60 +/- 0.17 ml/min and 3.4 +/- 0.5g/dl, respectively). Interruption of hepatic blood flow was associated with a fall in TDL flow (0.38 +/- 0.8ml; p less than 0.001) and protein content (2.8 +/- 0.7g/dl; p less than 0.01) and TDL/plasma protein ratio (0.58 +/- 0.7 to 0.48 +/- 0.05; p less than 0.01).

These data suggest that in the absence of supplemental fluid administration or other exogenous stimulation, hepatic lymph contributes one-third of resting TDL flow.

How to Cite:

Mobley, W., Kintner, K., Witte, C. & Witte, M., (1989) “CONTRIBUTION OF THE LIVER THORACIC DUCT LYMPH FLOW IN A MOTIONLESS SUBJECT”, Lymphology 22(2), 81-84.

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Published on
26 Nov 1989
Peer Reviewed