Transdiaphragmatic lymphatic transport of intraperitoneally administered markers in rats

Experimental studies were undertaken, aiming at evaluation of lymphatic drainage from the peritoneal cavity to lymph nodes of the cranial mediastinum in rats. The study made use of 11 adult male Wistar rats. For examination of lymphatic structures drawing ink and FITC-dextran, administered intraperitoneally, were used. Due to lack of unambiguous terminology quoted in the literature with regard to the lymph nodes of the rats’ cranial mediastinum, the authors’ own nomenclature was suggested to introduce the notions of the medial mediastinal lymph node and the lateral mediastinal lymph node. After intraperitoneal markers’ injection in each case bilateral lymphatic vessel was observed, emptying to the mediastinal nodes of the proper side. The inflow of the markers was observed in both medial mediastinal nodes or in both lateral mediastinal nodes or in all lymph nodes of the cranial mediastinum. We can conclude that the lymph outflow from the peritoneal cavity to the lymph nodes of the cranial mediastinum is always bilateral.