Lymphatic Pump Manipulation Mobilizes Inflammatory Mediators into Lymphatic Circulation

Abstract

Lymph stasis can result in edema and accumulation of particulate matter, exudates, toxins, and bacteria. This can lead to inflammation, impaired immune cell trafficking, tissue hypoxia, tissue fibrosis, and a variety of diseases. Previously, we demonstrated that osteopathic lymphatic pump treatment (LPT) significantly increased thoracic and mesenteric duct lymph flow. The purpose of this study was to determine if LPT would mobilize inflammatory mediators into the lymphatic circulation. Under anesthesia, thoracic or mesenteric lymph of dogs was collected at baseline (resting), during 4 min of LPT, and 10 min following LPT and the lymphatic concentrations of cytokines, chemokines, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. LPT significantly increased both thoracic and mesenteric lymph cytokine and chemokine concentrations when compared to their relative baseline concentrations. In addition, LPT increased lymphatic concentrations of SOD and NO. Ten minutes following cessation of LPT, both thoracic and mesenteric lymph cytokine, chemokine, NO and SOD concentrations were similar to baseline, suggesting their release is transient. This redistribution of inflammatory mediators during LPT may provide scientific rationale for the clinical use of LPT to enhance immunity and treat infection. Funding: NIH: U19 AT002023 (H. F.D), R01 AT004361 (L.M.H).