The effect of blood vessel pulsations on lymph pressure in large lymphatics.

Abstract

Rhythmic alterations in lymph pressure a t the same rate as the heart beat l:avc long Lee11 believed on circumstantial grounds to be an important factor in the propagation of lymph.I t was not un ti1 1939, however, that the presence of such lymphatic pulsations was demonstrated by Cressman and Blalock (1).who suggested that the impulses were transmitted from contiguous arteries.By measuring lymph output from local areas to which extrinsic pulses~could be 1 imparted or withdrawn a t will, Parsons and McMaster (2,3) have shown that I lymph formation and drainage are remarkably facilitated in regions subjected to transmitted arterial pulsations.Because it had never been proved that rhythmic intralymphatic pressure I. changes are actually due to transmitted arterial pulsations, the present study of the origin and fate of intralymphatic pulsations was undertaken.