A MODIFIED RAT MODEL FOR CANNULATION AND COLLECTION OF THORACIC DUCT LYMPH

Abstract

Difficulty in collecting lymph samples insmall animals has impeded studies onlymphatic function and lymph composition.Here we report a simple and effective modifiedrat model for thoracic duct lymph drainagewhere animals remain in full consciousnessand have free movement and access to waterand food over 12 hours. The operative procedurerequired approximately 30 minutes toperform. Mean lymph drainage was 0.71±0.33ml/h, and protein concentration did notchange significantly (mean 37±2.59mg/ml)over the 12 hours. However, the number oflymphocytes fluctuated widely between0.08±0.03x106/ml and 12.17±6.58x106/ml.This modified animal model of thoracic ductlymph collection avoids influences of lipidintake, general anesthesia, or limited activityof animals on experimental outcomes, andtherefore more accurately reflects lymph flowand composition under normal physiologicalconditions.