Effect of mannitol on the flow of thoracic duct lymph and its renal component.

Abstract

1. Thoracic duct flow during mannitol diuresis was measured in 23 anaesthetised dogs. With continuous 5 per cent mannitol infusions at 1 ml./minute thoracic duct flow (average 2.1 ml./hr./kg.) did not differ significantly from that obtained previously in non-diuretic dogs (average 2.06 ml./hr./kg.) infused with saline or dextrose at a similar rate. Intravenous injections of 5 ml. of 20 per cent mannitol had little or no effect on thoracic duct flow. Injections of 10, 50 or 100 ml. of 20 per cent mannitol caused an increase in thoracic duct flow which was related to the rise in urine flow.