REMOVAL OF FOREIGN SUBSTANCES BY THE LYMPHATICS OF THE SNAKE LUNG

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Abstract
Foreign substances were injected into the lung of Indigo snakes through a small catheter, and the lymph was collected at intervals from the pulmonary-vein lymphatic. The maximum conc. in the lymph of soluble sub- stances such as Hb and vital red was reached at 45 and 30 mins. respectively. Particles of graphite, calcite, and carmine, about 2 in. diam., are also removed by the lung lymphatics and were first observed in the lymph about 4.25 mins. after inj. The rate and depth of respiration is an important factor in moving this material through the lung and getting it into the lymphatics. A very small portion of the foreign material is picked up by phagocytic cells of the lung. Most of the foreign substance is removed from the lung mechanically. The lung tissue contracts in areas, forcing the material from the alveolar sacs out to ciliated epithelial surfaces, and from there it is carried by ciliary action through the trachea to the mouth.

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