SIZE- AND SURFACE-DEPENDENT UPTAKE OF COLLOID PARTICLES INTO THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of particle size and surface characteristics on colloidalparticle uptake from subcutaneous tissue into the lymphatic system.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Perfluorocarbon emulsion ZY13163 (median particlediameter, 0.08 :m; surfactant, egg yolk phospholipid), ZY13164 (median particle diameter, 0.36:m; surfactant, egg yolk phospholipid), ZY13199 (0.18 :m, surfactantsTetronic904) andZY14001 (0.11 :m, surfactant Pluronic L121) were individually injected into the dorsal skin ofthe hind foot of rabbits. Lymph flow rates and particle concentrations were determined inprenodal lymph fluid after injection, with and without massage of the skin over the injection site.RESULTS: In the first 24 hours after injection, the decreasing order of colloid flux withoutmassage was as follows: ZY13199 > ZY14001 > ZY13163 > ZY13164. Lymph flow rates, lymphleukocyte concentrations and colloid concentrations increased substantially with mechanical skinmassage.CONCLUSIONS: Transport of colloids into lymphatic vessels depends on particle size andsurface characteristics. Without massage, colloids with egg yolk phospholipid exhibit sizedependent decrease in uptake into lymphatics, while with massage only a weak correlation withparticle size is present.