STUDIES OF THE PHYSIOLOGY OF LYMPHATIC VESSEL BY MICRO-CIRCULATION METHODS

Abstract

The study of the lymphatic system is difficult because of the tenuity of its vessels and of the transparency of lymph. MASCAGNI (6) and CRUIKSHANK (2) described the lymphatic collectors within the 18th century, although the knowledge of most peripheral lymphatics remained indefinite. Lymphography, developed by KINMONTH (4), initiated a renewed interest in the lymphatic system. Unfortunately, even though the lymph collectors and lymph nodes are thus shown, the peripheral channels are not demon­ strated. In addition, the visceral lymphatics remain inaccessible with this technique.

Hungarian (7) and Italian (1) authors used a method based on the ligature of efferent lymphatic vessels in order to dilate the lymphatics above the occlusion. These lymphatics then appear in microscopic sections. Unfortunately, this method  is not physiologic. In order to study morphological and physiological aspects of the peripheral lymphatics we chose to observe them in the living animal using a transillumination method (2-4).