Myogenic Responses of Isolated Lymphatics: Modulation by Endothelium

Abstract

Increases in intraluminal pressure greatly affect the spontaneous vasomotion of lymphatics and activate the myogenic mechanism intrinsic to the smooth muscle. In addition, endothelial factors are important to maintain adequate lymphatic vasomotion. These findings suggest that intraluminal pressure and endothelial factors can be important contributors to the tone and pumping activity of lymphatics in vivo.