Magnetic field-like fluid circulation of a porous orifice tube and its relevance to the capillary–interstitial fluid circulation: preliminary report

Abstract

In 1886, Starling proposed a hypothesis for the capillary–interstitial fluid transfer in which capillary filtration is attributed to arterial pressure, based on Poiseuille’s work in long uniform tubes. In 1967–8, the precapillary sphincter, pores and negative interstitial pressure were reported. In 1984, clinical observations inconsistent with Starling’s hypothesis prompted a physical study to verify pressure dynamics in a porous orifice (G) tubes. Results demonstrate that, unlike in Poiseuille’s tube, a fluid passing inside the lumen of the G tube exerts a negative energy pressure gradient on its wall; most negative over its proximal part causing inflow of fluid by suction and positive over its distal part causing fluid outflow. A net negative pressure gradient also occurs in a surrounding chamber C, causing fluid to flow in an opposite direction to lumen flow. An autonomous dynamic magnetic field-like G–C circulation occurred between lumen and surrounding fluid compartments. Reviewed literature support the contention that this sole phenomenon adequately explains the capillary–interstitial fluid transfer under both physiological and pathological haemodynamic conditions.