Some aspects of lymph production in the rat.

SummaryThese in vivo studies were made possible by a modification of Bollman's technique for the cannulation of the abdominal thoracic duct of the rat. Thus, by combining a thoracic duct fistula with a stomach fistula, the influence of several substances on lymph flow was studied. Infusion with an isotonic solution of NaCl has a marked influence on lymph flow but it is not diuretic. Protein, carbohydrate, triglyceride, vasopressin, oxytocin, and Doca increased lymph flow only when accompanied by infusion with saline. Triglyceride emulsions had a pronounced lymphagogic effect even without infusion with saline. It is proposed that a unique mechanism is evoked by all substances tested that influence lymph flow; this mechanism involves electrolytes, and more specifically, the sodium ion. The findings reported here are in support of Crane's theory of Na+-dependent transport of water by the small intestine.