CHRONIC PERIPHERAL LYMPHATIC CANNULATION IN THE DOG

Peripheral lymph collected acutely has been commonly sampled as repres entative of nonvisceral interstitial fluid. By developing a prenodal l ymphatic-lymphatic (L-L) shunt, we were able to collect peripheral lym ph for 3-5 days in unanesthetized dogs. The L-L shunt was constructed entirely of medical grade silicone rubber tubing designed with a slip of coupling which allowed the shunt to be disconnected for lymph colle ction and reconnected at night. Average peripheral lymph flow (4.9ml/h r leg) in unanesthetized dogs was almost twice the flow rate previousl y observed in anesthetized dogs. The average lymph/plasma total protei n concentration ratio (0.16), however, was similar to that previously found in anesthetized dogs. Lymph protein concentration fell with the collection during the day and became more concentrated at night. Lymph flow did not change greatly during daytime collection. Average periph eral lymph collection volume was greater than 200ml/dog. The L-L shunt allows collection of prenodal lymph in experiments where unanesthetiz ed dogs are required (e.g., feeding studies). They also are useful whe n multiple protocols are conducted on the same dog or when large volum es of peripheral lymph are required.