AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 251, Issue 5 611-G614, Copyright © 1986 by American Physiological Society
Distension pressure on subserosal and mesenteric lymph pressures of rat jejunum
J. S. Lee
Lymph pressure (Pl) in the subserosal lymphatics and mesenteric lymphatics
was determined in the jejunum at various intraluminal distension pressures
(DP). Pl in the subserosal lymphatics was approximately equal to DP, in the
range of 3-100 mmHg, whether the intestine was in the basal state or during
water absorption. At a DP of 0 mmHg, Pl was 1.5 +/- 0.1 mmHg. When DP was
3, 10, 20, 40, 70, or 100 mmHg, Pl was 2.9 +/- 0.2, 11 +/- 1, 23 +/- 1, 43
+/- 1, 71 +/- 2, or 102 +/- 2 mmHg, respectively. From these findings and
other considerations it is inferred that Pl in the subserosal lymphatics
could be similar to the tissue fluid pressure, which is apparently
determined by DP due to compression of the intestinal wall. On the other
hand, Pl in the mesenteric lymphatics was not affected by DP at all. When
DP was in the range of 0-70 mmHg with free flow of lymph, mean Pl was 6-8
mmHg, and it was 23-28 mmHg during lymphatic obstruction. During pressure
measurement, rhythmical contractions of these lymphatics occurred, which
may be mainly responsible for the increase of Pl and propulsion of lymph as
well.
