Modelling the lymphatic system: challenges and opportunities

Margaris, Konstantinos; Black, Richard A.

doi:10.1098/rsif.2011.0751

Cited by 192 publications

(213 citation statements)

References 82 publications

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“…Lymphatic lumen pressures have been measured by Lee [33] to be in the range up to 440 Pa. Lymphatic capillaries normally have a radius in the range of 5 µm to 15 µm [42]. However, more recent studies show that in rare cases lymphatic capillaries can reach a large radius of 30 µm [36,52]. In this model we assume a lymphatic capillary radius of 10 µm.…”

Section: Parameter Valuesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Model for Interstitial Drainage Through a Sliding Lymphatic Valve

2015

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This study investigates fluid flow and elastic deformation in tissues that are drained by the primary lymphatic system. A model is formulated based on the Rossi hypothesis that states that the primary lymphatic valves, which are formed by overlapping endothelial cells around the circumferential lining of lymphatic capillaries, open in response to swelling of the surrounding tissue. Tissue deformation and interstitial fluid flow through the tissue are treated using the Biot equations of poroelasticity and, the fluid flux, (into the interstitium) across the walls of the blood capillaries, is assumed to be linearly related to the pressure difference across the walls via a constant of proportionality (the vascular permeability). The resulting model is solved in a periodic domain containing one blood capillary and one lymphatic capillary starting from a configuration in which the tissue is undeformed. On imposition of a constant pressure difference between blood and lymphatic capillaries the solutions are found to settle to a steady state. Given that the magnitude of pressure fluctuations in the lymphatic system is much smaller than this pressure difference between blood and lymph it is postulated that the resulting steady state solution gives a good representation of the state of the tissue under physiological conditions. The effects of changes to the Young's modulus of the tissue, the blood-lymphatic pressure difference, vascular permeability and valve dimensions on the steady state are investigated and discussed in terms of their effects on oedema in the context of age-and pregnancy-related changes to the body.

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Section: Parameter Valuesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Model for Interstitial Drainage Through a Sliding Lymphatic Valve

2015

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“…30 Many models focus on collecting lymphatics, often considering them to be a chain of lymphangions. 4,31,32 Fewer models consider the initial lymphatics.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Estimation of the Pressure Drop Required for Lymph Flow through Initial Lymphatic Networks

Sloas

Stewart

Sweat

et al. 2016

Lymphatic Research and Biology

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Background: Lymphatic function is critical for maintaining interstitial fluid balance and is linked to multiple pathological conditions. While smooth muscle contractile mechanisms responsible for fluid flow through collecting lymphatic vessels are well studied, how fluid flows into and through initial lymphatic networks remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to estimate the pressure difference needed for flow through an intact initial lymphatic network. Methods and Results: Pressure drops were computed for real and theoretical networks with varying branch orders using a segmental Poiseuille flow model. Vessel geometries per branch order were based on measurements from adult Wistar rat mesenteric initial lymphatic networks. For computational predications based on real network geometries and combinations of low or high output velocities (2 mm/s, 4 mm/s) and viscosities (1 cp, 1.5 cp), pressure drops were estimated to range 0.31-2.57 mmHg. The anatomical data for the real networks were also used to create a set of theoretical networks in order to identify possible minimum and maximum pressure drops. The pressure difference range for the theoretical networks was 0.16-3.16 mmHg. Conclusions:The results support the possibility for suction pressures generated from cyclic smooth muscle contractions of upstream collecting lymphatics being sufficient for fluid flow through an initial lymphatic network.

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“…10,11,44 Here, we present results of regionally applied suicide gene therapy augmenting the chemotherapy effect in these two patients who were successfully treated. A secondary treatment pathway may involve the diffusion of the 5-FU cytotoxic metabolite through the pleura porous to the lymphatic circulation 46,47 , as it has been previously observed that different concentrations of administered drug formulations enter the lymphatic circulation through the pleura porous. 48 Gene therapy studies in advance stage lung cancer patients with MPE treated with intracostal instillation of adenovirus have presented promising results.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%