THE EFFECT OF THE PULSE UPON THE FORMATION AND FLOW OF LYMPH

Abstract

A perfusion apparatus was devised by means of which warm aerated blood could be passed through organs under constant or pulsatile pressure and at alterable rates of flow. Changes in lymph flow were demonstrated in a rabbit''s ear under conditions of hyperemia, change in position, and irritation. The ears of rabbits were perfused with defibrinated rabbit''s blood in such a way that pulsation could be imparted to the perfusate or withheld from it at will. In the absence of pulsation there was almost no lymph flow, whereas when it was present lymph flow was rapid despite the fact that the "systolic" pressure of the perfusate never exceeded the constant pressure in the non-pulsatile instances and the vol. flow was far less. Non-pulsatile perfusion led to a slight flow of lymph in ears that were becoming edematous, whereas when it was pulsatile the lymph flow was enormous. The pulse exercises an influence to move fluid into the lymphatics and along them.