EFFECT OF ACUTE ETHANOL ADMINISTRATION ON THE THORACIC DUCT LYMPH FLOW IN MAN

Abstract

In 17 patients the thoracic duel was cannulated and

the lymph continuously collected. Thoracic duct

lymph now and the concentration of total protein in

the lymph and blood serum were repeatedly

measured for 6 hours. Group I (9 subjects) received

0.7 g/kg of oral ethanol in the form of 40% solution,

group II (8 subjects) an intravenous infusion of

0.75 g/kg of ethanol. Oral but not intravenous

administration of ethanol significantly increased the

thoracic duct lymph now. Lymph total protein

significantly decreased in group I only.