Size- and surface-dependent uptake of colloid particles into the lymphaticsystem

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of particle size and surface characteristics on colloidal particle uptake from subcutaneous tissue into the lymphatic s ystem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Perfluorocarbon emulsion ZY13163 (median particle di ameter, 0.08 mu m; surfactant, egg yolk phospholipid), ZY13164 (median part icle diameter, 0.36 mu m; surfactant, egg yolk phospholipid), ZY13199 (0.18 mu m, surfactants Tetronic904) and ZY14001 (0.11 mu m, surfactant Pluronic L121) were individually injected into the dorsal skin of the hindfoot of r abbits. Lymph flow rates and particle concentrations were determined in pre nodal lymph fluid after injection, with and without massage of the skin ove r the injection site. RESULTS: In the first 24 hours after injection, the decreasing order of col loid flux without massage was as follows: ZY13199 > ZY14001 > ZY13163 > ZY1 3164. Lymph flow rates, lymph leukocyte concentrations and colloid concentr ations increased substantially with mechanical skirt massage. CONCLUSIONS: Transport of colloids into lymphatic vessels depends on partic le size and surface characteristics. Without massage, colloids with egg yol k phospholipid exhibit size dependent decrease in uptake into lymphatics, w hile with massage only a weak correlation with particle size is present.