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Physiology of the Intrinsic Lymph Pump
APS Cardiovascular Section
David Zawieja and Anatoliy A. Gashev
AA. Gashev, N.G. McHale, P.von der Weid, D.C. Zawieja and C.M. Quick
The lymphatic system has
important roles in fluid and macromolecular homeostasis, lipid absorption,
metastasis, lymphocyte trafficking and immune function. It accomplishes
these tasks in the face of unfavorable fluid-pressure and
molecular-concentration gradients through the use of valved vessels, and
extrinsic and intrinsic pumps. The intrinsic lymph pump utilizes strong,
rapid, phasic contractions of lymphatic muscle to generate the pressures
that open and close the appropriate valves and propel fluid down the
lymphatic tree. While aspects of the intrinsic lymph pump have been studied
since the 1960’s, basic concepts that define the physiological roles of the
intrinsic lymph pump and the cellular mechanisms that drive it are poorly
understood. This symposium seeks to address investigations of many of these
concepts.
The symposium will begin with
an introduction to the concept of the intrinsic lymph pump, presented by Dr.
Gashev. His focus will be on the mechanisms that regulate/modulate the
intrinsic lymph pumps and it’s regional functional variability. The
following 3 speakers will then describe the cellular mechanisms responsible
for the intrinsic lymph pump contractile activity. Dr. McHale will present
data regarding the characterization of the cellular pacemakers of the
intrinsic lymph pump. Dr. von der Weid will discuss the role of lymphatic
ion channels in the regulation of the intrinsic lymph pump function. Dr.
Zawieja will then describe evidence of the lymphatic muscle contractile
apparatus and its unusual structure and capabilities. Finally Dr. Quick will
describe mathematical models that integrate information from cellular and
tissue studies and allows overview of the physiological and pathological
implications of intrinsic lymph pump function. Presentation and discussion
of these historically underrepresented topics will be of interest to the
members of APS and other societies and will help stimulate research into
lymphatic contractile function.
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