Intrinsic contractility of prenodal lymph vessels and lymph flow in human leg

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Abstract
To study the efficiency of intrinsic contractions of lymphatics in propelling lymph in human legs, the end and lateral pressures and lymph flow were measured in leg s.c. lymph vessels in 25 normal men in a horizontal and upright position, during rest and during contractions of the foot and calf muscles. Systolic lymph end pressures generated by intrinsic contractions of lymphatics ranged between 12 and 70 mmHg, but in some cases reached values above 100 mmHg. Systolic lymph lateral pressures with free lymph flow were lower and ranged between 5 and 30 mmHg (P < 0.01). There was almost no hydrostatic component of lymph pressure. Contractions of foot and calf muscles in the horizontal and upright position did not significantly effect systolic end pressures, but slightly increased lateral pressures (P < 0.01). There was no increase in the frequency of pulse waves (P < 0.01). Pulse amplitudes did not change. Lymph flow occurred in the resting human limbs and during limb muscle contractions only during the lymphatic pulse waves. There was no flow in the periods between the waves. The mean lymph flow was higher during muscular contractions than during the resting period (P < 0.01). External massaging of the foot did not produce any rise in lymph pressure. The frequency of pulse waves and lymph flow increased. Filling of the lymphatics with lymph by external massaging or injection of fluid evoked intrinsic contractions. The pressure threshold for evoking contractions varied in different subjects from 5 to 25 mmHg. Intrinsic contractions of lymphatic collectors in the human leg is the main factor responsible for lymph flow during the rest of the extremity.

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