Osteopathic lymphatic pump techniques to enhance immunity and treat pneumonia

Background: Lymph is pumped through the collecting lymphatic vessels by both intrinsic and extrinsic forces, propelling it downstream back into circulation. The intrinsic lymph pump relies on the spontaneous contraction of lymphatic muscles to generate the force of pumping lymph (P lp ). However, the association between leg edema and reduced leg P lp in the general population is unknown. Therefore, this study determined the association of leg P lp and edema complaints and quality of life in healthy participants. Methods and Results: A total of 465 healthy volunteers (78 men and 387 women, age 30-85 years) filled out a questionnaire and medical history to rule out severe systemic diseases and local venous/lymphatic diseases. Quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF36). Leg P lp was measured using minimally invasive indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography and an occlusion cuff technique while sitting. All participants were divided into three groups according to the P lp values, as follows: Participants with P lp >40 mmHg in both legs, 20 mmHg-40 mmHg in either leg; and <20 mmHg in both legs were divided into the good (n = 100), moderate (n = 314), and poor (n = 51) P lp groups, respectively. The survey revealed the poor leg P lp group was associated with more frequently complaints of leg edema, as well as lower quality of life than the moderate and good P lp groups. Conclusion: Reduced leg P lp is significantly associated with leg edema complaints and lower quality of life in the general population.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Low Lymphatic Pumping Pressure in the Legs Is Associated with Leg Edema and Lower Quality of Life in Healthy Volunteers

Saito

Unno

Yamamoto

et al. 2015

“…Both mechanisms could potentially enhance immunity to infectious disease. It is important to mention that while we have shown Ab-LPT enhances the concentration of lymphatic leukocytes and inflammatory mediators, [15][16][17][18][19] the effect of Th-LPT on lymphatic immune cells has not been measured. However, Th-LPT has been shown to increase the lymphatic uptake of antigen in rats 13 and thoracic duct lymph flow in dogs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 79%

“…10,19 Twentyfour hours after infection, rats were divided into control, sham, and abdominal LPT (Ab-LPT) or thoracic LPT (Th-LPT) groups. For 3 consecutive days, the control group received no treatment or anesthesia, the sham group received 4 min of light touch (under anesthesia), and the Ab-LPT and Th-LPT groups received 4 min of LPT (under anesthesia).…”

Section: Ab-lpt and Th-lpt Reduce S Pneumoniae Cfu In The Lungsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…12 While there are no published reports measuring the effect of LPT on the lymphatic system of humans, studies in animals demonstrate that LPT promotes the uptake of interstitial antigens into the lymphatic system, 13 enhances lymph flow, 14,15 increases the lymphatic concentration of leukocytes 16,17 enhances the lymphatic flux of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, 18 and reduces bacterial burden in the lungs of rats. 19 Collectively, these studies suggest that LPT enhances the lymphatic and immune systems and can protect against respiratory disease; however, the mechanism by which LPT protects against pneumonia has not been quantitatively defined. The purpose of this study was to identify if thoracic LPT (Th-LPT) or abdominal LPT (Ab-LPT) would reduce S. pneumoniae colony-forming units (CFU) in the lungs of rats with acute pneumonia.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Thoracic and Abdominal Lymphatic Pump Techniques Inhibit the Growth ofS. pneumoniaeBacteria in the Lungs of Rats

Creasy

Schander

Orlowski

et al. 2013

Self Cite

“…For example, in support, recent animal studies demonstrated LPT has a positive effect on infection 40 and edema. 19 Some limitations of the current study must be recognized.…”

Section: -36mentioning

confidence: 88%

Lymphatic Pump Treatment Repeatedly Enhances the Lymphatic and Immune Systems

Schander

Padro

King

et al. 2013

Self Cite

Background: Osteopathic practitioners utilize manual therapies called lymphatic pump techniques (LPT) to treat edema and infectious diseases. While previous studies examined the effect of a single LPT treatment on the lymphatic system, the effect of repeated applications of LPT on lymphatic output and immunity has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure the effects of repeated LPT on lymphatic flow, lymph leukocyte numbers, and inflammatory mediator concentrations in thoracic duct lymph (TDL). Methods and Results: The thoracic ducts of five mongrel dogs were cannulated, and lymph samples were collected during pre-LPT, 4 min of LPT, and 2 hours post-LPT. A second LPT (LPT-2) was applied after a 2 hour rest period. TDL flow was measured, and TDL were analyzed for the concentration of leukocytes and inflammatory mediators. Both LPT treatments significantly increased TDL flow, leukocyte count, total leukocyte flux, and the flux of interleukin-8 (IL-8), keratinocyte-derived chemoattractant (KC), nitrite (NO 2 -), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The concentration of IL-6 increased in lymph over time in all experimental groups; therefore, it was not LPT dependent. Conclusion: Clinically, it can be inferred that LPT at a rate of 1 pump per sec for a total of 4 min can be applied every 2 h, thus providing scientific rationale for the use of LPT to repeatedly enhance the lymphatic and immune system.