Biomaterial Database

Contractility patterns of normal and pathologically changed human lymphatics. 2002

Waldemar L Olszewski

Department of Surgical Research and Transplantation, Medical Research Center, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland. wlo@cmdik.pan.pl

Human leg lymphatics contract spontaneously, rhythmically propelling lymph. This intrinsic property regulates the fluid environment in the intercellular space in skin, connective tissue, and perivascular spaces. The pressures generated by lymphatic contractions constitute the main force for lymph flow. This mechanism is of utmost importance during night rest, anesthesia, and immobilization, as well as in those with damaged peripheral motor neurons. All supporting forces are only secondary to those created by spontaneous lymphatic contractions. The intrinsically regulated lymph flow depends on tissue fluid and lymph production rate. The transport capacity of lymphatics adjusts to the fluid load. Under physiological conditions, limb activity and position only slightly change lymph flow. In obstructive lymphedema, high lymph pressures can be observed. They are usually generated by leg muscle contraction, whereas the spontaneous contractility of lymphatics becomes ineffective in lymph transport because of low generated pressures and lymphatic valve insufficiency. The knowledge of lymph flow in normal and lymphedematou limbs will be useful in the derivation of rational treatments for lymphedema.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008196	Lymph	The interstitial fluid that is in the LYMPHATIC SYSTEM.	Lymphs
D008208	Lymphatic System	A system of organs and tissues that process and transport immune cells and LYMPH.	Lymphatic Systems
D008209	Lymphedema	Edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes.	Milroy's Disease,Congenital Familial Lymphedema,Congenital Hereditary Lymphedema,Early Onset Lymphedema,Hereditary Lymphedema,Hereditary Lymphedema 1,Hereditary Lymphedema Type I,Lymphedema, Early-Onset,Lymphedema, Hereditary, Ia,Milroy Disease,Nonne-Milroy Disease,Nonne-Milroy Lymphedema,Nonne-Milroy-Meige Disease,Primary Congenital Lymphedema,Congenital Hereditary Lymphedemas,Congenital Lymphedema, Primary,Congenital Lymphedemas, Primary,Early Onset Lymphedemas,Early-Onset Lymphedema,Early-Onset Lymphedemas,Hereditary Lymphedema 1s,Hereditary Lymphedema, Congenital,Hereditary Lymphedemas,Hereditary Lymphedemas, Congenital,Lymphedema, Congenital Hereditary,Lymphedema, Early Onset,Lymphedema, Hereditary,Lymphedema, Nonne-Milroy,Lymphedema, Primary Congenital,Lymphedemas,Lymphedemas, Congenital Hereditary,Lymphedemas, Early Onset,Lymphedemas, Early-Onset,Lymphedemas, Hereditary,Lymphedemas, Primary Congenital,Milroys Disease,Nonne Milroy Disease,Nonne Milroy Lymphedema,Nonne Milroy Meige Disease,Primary Congenital Lymphedemas
D009068	Movement	The act, process, or result of passing from one place or position to another. It differs from LOCOMOTION in that locomotion is restricted to the passing of the whole body from one place to another, while movement encompasses both locomotion but also a change of the position of the whole body or any of its parts. Movement may be used with reference to humans, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, and microorganisms. Differentiate also from MOTOR ACTIVITY, movement associated with behavior.	Movements
D009119	Muscle Contraction	A process leading to shortening and/or development of tension in muscle tissue. Muscle contraction occurs by a sliding filament mechanism whereby actin filaments slide inward among the myosin filaments.	Inotropism,Muscular Contraction,Contraction, Muscle,Contraction, Muscular,Contractions, Muscle,Contractions, Muscular,Inotropisms,Muscle Contractions,Muscular Contractions
D011187	Posture	The position or physical attitude of the body.	Postures
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man