Cardiac lymph flow features and new possibilities of their experimental visualization

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the peculiarities of myocardial lymph flow using a new combined method of visualization of the lymphatic system. The study was performed on pig hearts harvested from a local abbatoir. The original dye, consisting of lipid-soluble chlorophyll and lipiodol, was injected stepwise into the lymphatic vessels. After sufficient optical identification of the lymphatic vessels, continuous injection of air into the coronary arteries was performed and CT scans were done. In this way, both optical and radiologic visibility of the cardiac lymphatic system was achieved. It was shown that lymph flow of the left and most part of the right ventricle is carried out through lymphatic collectors of the anterior wall of the heart, including retrogradely with respect to the right coronary artery, which complements the previously known facts about the structure of the lymphatic system of the heart.

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About the authors

P. P. Yablonsky

St. Petersburg State University

Author for correspondence.
Email: pavel.yablonski@gmail.com

Laboratory of microangiopathic mechanisms of atherogenesis

Russian Federation, St. Petersburg

A. S. Lazareva

Leningrad Regional Hospital

Email: pavel.yablonski@gmail.com
Russian Federation, St. Petersburg

I. A. Garapach

State Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology

Email: pavel.yablonski@gmail.com
Russian Federation, St. Petersburg

A. A. Yablonskaia

St. Petersburg State University

Email: pavel.yablonski@gmail.com

Laboratory of microangiopathic mechanisms of atherogenesis

Russian Federation, St. Petersburg

S. V. Orlov

St. Petersburg State University

Email: pavel.yablonski@gmail.com

Laboratory of microangiopathic mechanisms of atherogenesis; Corresponding Member of the RAS

Russian Federation, St. Petersburg

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2. Fig. 1. CT scan of the porcine heart. Shown are the anterior interventricular artery (LAD – red arrow) injected with air and the anterior lymphatic trunk (ALT – green arrow) injected with the original dye, the latter forming a bridge over the coronary vessel.

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3. Fig. 2. 3D reconstructed CT image of the porcine heart. Shown are the LMCA (red arrow) injected with air and the ALC (green arrow) injected with the original dye.

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4. Fig. 3. 3D reconstructed CT image of the pig heart. A – inferior wall of the heart, B – anterior wall of the heart. Red – coronary arteries, green – anterior lymphatic collector (ALC), yellow – posterior lymphatic collector. The beginning of the ALC on the inferior wall of the heart is visible.

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5. Fig. 4. View of the pig heart after injection of the lymphatic vessels with the original dye, distal (left) and proximal (right) sections of the left coronary artery, including the loop in the bifurcation area of ​​the left coronary artery trunk.

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