Efflux of Prostaglandin-like Smooth-Muscle-Stimulating Activity in the Right Lymphatic Duct in Man

Abstract

The right lymphatic duct, draining mainly the heart and the lungs, was cannulated in 13 patients undergoing cardiac or pulmonary surgery and in one patient with pulmonary contusions. Lymph fluid was collected and examined for lipid soluble smooth-muscle-stimulating activity. Lipid fractions of lymph fluid from 8 patients were assayed for smooth-muscle-stimulating activity. Smooth-muscle-contracting activity, similar to that of PGE₂, was recorded in 3 cases. Lymph from 3 patients evoked tachyphylaxis (the decreasing response which follows consecutive injections made at short intervals) or relaxation. In lymph from 2 patients no smooth-muscle-stimulating activity was detected. Lymph fluid from 5 patients was analysed by silicic acid chromatography in combination with smooth muscle assay. Prostaglandin-like material, mainly of the E-type, was detected in 4 cases. Biological inactivation of prostaglandin E₂ was observed when this compound was incubated with lymph fluid. The results indicate that prostaglandins may be released via the right lymphatic duct into the blood stream during major surgical procedures.

Key Words:

• Cardiac and pulmonary surgery
• human
• heart and lung lymph
• prostaglandin