F. Ikomi et al., MECHANISM OF COLLOIDAL PARTICLE UPTAKE INTO THE LYMPHATIC-SYSTEM - BASIC STUDY WITH PERCUTANEOUS LYMPHOGRAPHY, Radiology, 196(1), 1995, pp. 107-113
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.