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Lymphatic pacemaking
Author(s) -
Imtiaz Mohammad Shariq,
Weid PierreYves,
Crowe Melissa,
Helden Dirk
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.764.5
Subject(s) - lymphatic system , depolarization , anatomy , lymph , coupling (piping) , chemistry , biophysics , biology , materials science , medicine , pathology , metallurgy
Lymphatic vessels display rhythmic constriction‐dilation cycle which is known as vasomotion. The rhythmic constrictions propel fluid through the lymphatic chambers which are connected by valves. Our previous study has shown that lymphatic smooth muscle pacemaking occurs through a mechanism that involves Ca 2+ release from intracellular Ca 2+ stores through inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP 3 ) receptor, and depolarization through L‐type Ca 2+ channels. The aims of this study were to extend our study on single lymphatic chambers to understand lymph propulsion in chains of valve connected lymphatic chambers. Our study shows that phase locking of Ca 2+ oscillations can occur across many lymphatic chambers and result in phase waves which manifest as slowly propagating waves of contractions within and across chambers. Our study also indicates that electrical coupling between chambers across valves is relatively poor. Numerical simulations indicate that chambers could partially interact through mechanical coupling between chambers.