Abstract
Morphology and distribution of lymphatics in the mouse diaphragm were investigated using LYVE‐1, a lymphatic endothelial marker.Results1. Lymphatic networks were observed in the muscular (MP) and tendinous portions (TP) of the diaphragm. The density of small lymphatics (Φ ≤ 20 μm) in MP was much higher than in TP, while it was opposite for large (Φ ≥ 30 μm) lymphatics. 2. On the pleural side (PlS) most LYVE+ structures were tubular but scanty stomata. 3. On the peritoneal side (PeS), besides these same structures, there were LYVE+ membranous tissues that were ladder/lacy‐like structure with many stomata. 4. The same LYVE+ structure with stomata could be observed from both TP PlS and TP PeS. The TP PeS stomata were larger, rounder, and more open than the other side. This indicates that diaphragm lymph is mainly formed in MP and that diaphragmatic contraction may be a major force for lymph flow. Thus respiration may control diaphragmatic lymph flow. The stomata configuration suggests gated communication between the peritoneal and pleural cavities. The ladder/lacy‐like membranous structure may hold some still unclear cell components and provide an unveiled function of the diaphragm lymphatics. These findings provide evidence that the diaphragmatic lymphatic system may have special clinical significance in dialysis, metastasis, infection and nutrition. NIH HL70308, HL094269, & HL80526.
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