INFLUENCE OF AGE AND GENDER ON HUMAN LYMPHATIC PUMPING PRESSURE IN THE LEG

Abstract

Lymph transportation is controlled, atleast in part, by the intrinsic pumping oflymphatic vessels. The objectives of this studywere to evaluate the influences of age andgender on leg lymphatic pumping pressure.A total of 399 subjects between the ages of 20and 91 years (199 males and 200 females)volunteered to participate in this study.Lymphatic pumping was measured in 798 legsof the 399 participants. Indocyanine green(ICG) fluorescence lymphography wasperformed, and the real-time fluorescenceimages of lymph propulsion were obtained ina sitting position using an infrared-lightcamera system. A custom-made transparentsphygmomanometer cuff was wrapped aroundthe lower leg and connected to a standardmercury sphygmomanometer. The cuff wasinflated, and then gradually deflated until thefluorescent dye exceeded the upper border ofthe cuff. Lymph pumping pressure was definedas the value of the cuff pressure when the dyeexceeded the upper border of the cuff. Therewas a significant correlation between the leglymphatic pumping and age: r =-0.34(p<0.0001). Comparison of lymphatic pumpingbetween males and females indicated thatthe age-related decrease in lymphatic pumpingpressure was more marked in females ofpostmenopausal age.