MECHANISM OF COLLOIDAL PARTICLE UPTAKE INTO THE LYMPHATIC-SYSTEM - BASIC STUDY WITH PERCUTANEOUS LYMPHOGRAPHY

PURPOSE: To examine the extracellular (dispersed particles) and intrac ellular (phagocytosed particles) colloidal particle transport from sub cutaneous tissue into the lymphatic system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Per fluorocarbon emulsions LA11063 (mean particle diameter, 0.34 mu m) and ZY12149 (mean particle diameter, 0.06 mu m) were individually injecte d into the dorsal skin of the hind foot of rabbits. Lymph flow rates a nd particle concentrations were determined in prenodal lymph fluid aft er injection, with and without massage of the skin over the injection site. RESULTS: In the first 24 hours after injection,extracellular col loid flux was substantially larger than intracellular flux. Lymph flow rates and colloid concentrations increased substantially with massage . Extracellular LA11063 flux was smaller than ZY12149 flux, whereas in tracellular LA11063 flux exceeded ZY12149 flux. CONCLUSION: Transport of colloids into lymphatic vessels is dependent on particle size. Both extracellular and intracellular pathways are utilized. External tissu e movement contributes substantially to the rate of particle uptake vi a both pathways.