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The lymphatics of the dog colon. A study of the lymph drainage patterns by indirect lymphography in the dog under normal and abnormal conditions
Author(s) -
Sterns E. E.,
Vaughan G. E. R.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(197007)26:1<218::aid-cncr2820260128>3.0.co;2-0
Subject(s) - lymphatic system , medicine , lymph , lymph node , carnivora , anatomy , lymphatic vessel , pathology , cancer , metastasis
A method of indirect lymphography in the dog colon is described. The technique was consistent in the opacification of draining lymph nodes which varied in number from 1 to 9 and averaged 4 per dog. The method confirmed the specific segmental distribution of lymphatics of the dog colon; in only one case did a nonsegmental node become opacified. Induced sterile inflammation by intramural deposition of talc in the colon wall resulted in a lymphographic picture characterized by: 1. increase in nodal size over control dogs; 2. increase in the average number of opacified nodes per dog; 3. increased incidence of nonsegmental node opacification; 4. decrease rather than increase in spread of retained intramural contrast medium. The findings reflected an increased lymph flow in the area of acute inflammation and suggested a wider than normal lymphatic distribution under such conditions. Acute mechanical obstruction of the dog colon at the rectosigmoid did not result in obvious increase in lymph flow. Node size and number opacified, as well as intramural spread of contrast medium, closely resembled controls. However, the distribution of lymphatic opacification was substantially influenced since all but one animal opacified a node outside the usual segmental drainage area. Resection of the lymphatic bed primarily responsible for drainage of the dog colon at the rectosigmoid resulted in edema of the involved portion of the bowel wall which disappeared partially or completely within 3 weeks. Indirect lymphography within a week of lymphatic resection demonstrated a marked intramural and paracolic spread of contrast material some 6 times greater than in control animals. When performed 3 weeks after resection, most dogs demonstrated opacified nodes although none were within the resected area. The intramural spread had decreased by 50%, reflecting the decrease in the edema and the establishment of collateral lymphatic circulation. Central lymphatic obstruction induced by intrathoracic, thoracic duct ligation resulted in marked lymphatic stasis and lymphedema. Decrease in nodal opacification and marked intramural spread were features noted in the early phase after obstruction. Within 2 weeks of duct ligation, lymphatic function increased and although the average number of opacified nodes resembled the control group, the presence of collaterals was increased. By 3 weeks, there was evidence of greater than normal lymph flow demonstrated by increased nodal opacification, both segmental and nonsegmental, and increased node size and filling. The intramural spread approached normal.