Cardiac lymph flow in conscious dogs

Abstract

The cardiac lymphatic duct was cannulated in dogs and the exteriorized cannula allowed chronic collection of lymph during the awake state for as long as 3 wk. The surgical methodology and inherent difficulties in the technique are describ:d. Cardiac lymph flow ranged from 0.45--5.6 ml/h in the control state in 14 dogs. An occluding device and flow probe were placed on the circumflex coronary artery (CFX); ultrasonic segment length crystals were placed in the left ventricular free wall in 4 dogs. Occlusion of the CFX in these conscious dogs caused lymph flow to fall as great as 46% below control during the 1st half-hour. Reperfusion of the occluded vessel caused an increase in lymph flow as great as 67% above control. The effect on cardiac lymph flow was demonstrated for a few select drugs that have known effects on the cardiovascular system. Cardiac lymph flow was altered from control as follows: isoproterenol, 42 +/- 11% increase; RO 2-2985, 118 +/- 8% increase; verapamil, 101 +/- 10% increase; propranolol caused no significant change. The conscious dog with cardiac lymph vessel cannulated should provide a model to further study the complexities of cardiac metabolism and physiology without interference of anesthesia and surgical stress.