Extra-organic lymphatic vessels and regional lymph nodes of the kidneys in dogs

An anatomical investigation of extraorganic lymphatic vessels and regional renal lymph nodes has been performed in 70 dogs. The regional lymph nodes in the right kidney are stated to be quantitatively constant, as well as cranial and caudal lateroaortal lymph nodes in the left kidney in regard to the middle left lateroaortal nodes, that get lymph from the left kidney parenchyma. One middle left lateroaortal lymph node is found in 47 animals examined, two lymph nodes--in 17 animals. In 6 cases a lymphatic vessel, that gets lymph from the renal parenchyma and independently runs into the cistern of the thoracic duct is found for the first time. The variant revealed is an exception from the rule known in lymphology: lymph in its way from periphery to the central collector runs, at least, through one lymph node.     

Anatomy of lymph nodes situated adjacent to the axilla in adult humans]

In 50 right and 50 left upper extremities examined in adult persons of both sex at the age of 28-90 years, delto-thoracic lymph nodes were revealed in 30% (right) and in 22% (left), and interthoracic lymph nodes--in 6% (right) and in 12% (left). The lymph nodes in question were revealed by the method of section after interstitial injection of Gerota's blue intradermally to fingers, palm, back of the hand deltoid area, lateral thoracic surface (at the level of the 6th intercostal space) and to the external part of the mammary gland. Injection was also performed into lymphatic vessels revealed by means of the interstitial injection. The delto-thoracic nodes were stated to situate in both the delto-thoracic sulcus and the delto-thoracic triangle. These vessels are situated along the course of the lateral collector of the free upper extremity. Deferent vessels of the delto-thoracic nodes flow into the apical axillary lymph nodes, into the deep and superficial cervical nodes, into the interthoracic lymph nodes and also into the subclavicular or into the jugular vein near a corresponding venous angle. Interthoracic lymph nodes, situated between musculus pectoralis major and minor, get their lymphatic vessels from lateral, inferior and central axillary nodes, from delto-thoracic nodes and also those lymphatic vessels that go from the mammary gland area. Deferent vessels of the interthoracic nodes flow into the apical axillary nodes.     

Anatomy of the lymph vessels and nodes of the head and neck in green marmosets]

In 50 mature green monkeys, the lymphatic system of the skin on the hairy part of the skull (occipital, parietal, frontal) and on the face was studied. The lymphatic vessels of cranial and cervical organs flow into submental, submandibular (anterior, medial, posterior) lymph nodes and into profound cervical (cranial, medial, caudal) lymph nodes. Lymph nodes together with efferent lymphatic vessels form lymph collectors of the neck which follow the blood vessels branching: superficial jugular, profound jugular and paratracheal network.     

Characteristics of the regional lymphatic system of the external genitals in dogs in experimental studies

In the experiment performed on 80 mongrel female dogs by means of morphological and roentgenographical methods the structure of the lymphatic bed, pathways of lymph outflow and localization of the regional lymph nodes of the external genitals have been studied in the norm, at inflammation and at malignant tumors. Normal lymph outflow (53 animals) from the external genitals occurs via direct, cross and roundabout pathways. The regional nodes of the I order are inguinal lymph nodes and all the pelvic nodes, anorectal ones including. A part of vessels, without getting the lymph nodes mentioned, get into the retrosternal, caudal lumbar lymph nodes and the lumbar trunk. The cross of the lymphatic pathways occurs via the anterior, posterior commissures, at the level of the inguinal lymph nodes and within the limits of the pelvis. At an acute inflammation (24 animals) besides those mentioned above, roundabout vessels in the middle third of the femur are constantly revealed. They get into the femoral collector, and the vessels in the inferior third of the femur come into the popliteal lymph nodes. At malignant tumors of the external genitals (3 animals), besides all the pathways of the lymph outflow mentioned above, the femoral-crural roundabout pathway appears, it is connected with the lymphatic collector of the crus. Some vessels of the external genitals, combining with the vessels of the vagina, urethra and urinary bladder, get into the lumbar trunk and into the caudal lumbar lymph nodes. Increasing amount of all groups of the lymph nodes is noted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Topographo-anatomic basis for the reconstruction of lymphatic passages and the reinnervation of transplanted kidneys

Topographic anatomy of the deferent lymphatic vessels and the regional lymph nodes of the kidneys have been studied in 35 dogs. Basing on the topographoanatomical investigations performed the authors suggest a rational technique for restoring the lymph outflow combined with the reinnervation of the renal transplant. They suggest to take the right kidney together with the dorsocaval lymph nodes, and the left--with the left lateroaortal lymph nodes simultaneously cutting out the fascial-fatty graft with the nerves situating over the ventral surface of the renal hilar vessels. The lymph outflow is suggested to be restorted by means of anastomosis between the regional lymph nodes of the renal transplant and the iliac node, or the nearest vein, and to innervate the transplant--by means of stitching the fascial-fatty grafts of the anostomized blood vessels.     

Anatomy and topography of the common iliac lymph nodes in human beings in the 1st period of maturity

The investigation of common iliac lymph nodes has been performed in 20 corpses of the first mature age of both sex (5 male and 5 female corpses) of persons died from causes not connected with the lymphatic system diseases, the lower extremities and the pelvic organs. The common iliac lymph nodes with their afferent and efferent lymphatic vessels are revealed by means of interstitial injection into the lower extremities and the pelvic organs and with direct injection into the lymphatic vessels. The form, amount, size and topography of the common iliac lymphatic vessels have been studied. The lymphatic vessels, that go from certain body parts and organs to various subgroups of the common iliac lymph nodes, as well as the lymphatic vessels that connect the nodes both within the subgroup and also between the subgroups. The amount and size of the lymphatic nodes of the lateral subgroup predominate over the nodes of other subgroups of the common iliac lymph nodes; the amount of the common iliac lymph nodes predominates in men, and their size--in women. Amount of these nodes in the right and their size in the left predominate in both sex. Among the common iliac lymph nodes there are no teniform nodes, and efferent lymphatic vessels of the lateral and medial subgroup of the common iliac lymph nodes in 15% of cases run towards the lumbar nodes in the opposite side.     

Lymph node topography and various features of the metastasis of malignant kidney tumors

Due to investigations of 102 renal preparations performed on corpses of mature persons, topographic peculiarities of the lymph nodes, getting lymph from the left and right kidneys, are revealed. Every lymph node of the left kidney gets greater amount of lymphatic vessels than every node of the right kidney. The lymph, running from the right kidney, usually gets through a less number of the subsequently arranged nodes up to the thoracic duct, as compared to the lymph, that runs from the left kidney. A typical position for the node, which the renal lymphatic vessels get into, is the fatty tissue in the area of the angle formed by the aorta edge and the inferior wall of the corresponding renal artery. The lymphatic nodes of the right kidney are arranged in the fatty tissue more compact than the left ones. These peculiarities, revealed by morphological investigations, are proved by analysis of 114 case histories of persons suffering from malignant neoplasms in the kidneys.     

Anatomy and topography of external iliac lymph nodes in adults]

The investigation of the external iliac lymph nodes has been performed in 152 preparations of corpses of mature persons of both sex, who died from causes not connected with any disease of the lymphatic system, lower extremities and pelvic organs. The external iliac lymph nodes and their afferent and efferent lymphatic vessels have been revealed by means of interstitial injection of the lower extremities and pelvic organs, as well as by means of direct injection of Gerota mass into the lymphatic vessels. Form, amount, dimensions and topography of common iliac lymph nodes have been studied. Lymphatic vessels, running from certain parts and organs of the body to various subgroups of the external iliac lymph nodes have been described, as well as efferent lymph vessels of these nodes. The external iliac lymph nodes are constant formations; the largest of them--lymph nodes of the lacuna--are nodes of the I step for the lower extremity lymph vessels. In 54% of cases in persons of both sex positive (right-sided) asymmetry has been revealed. Total amount of the iliac lymph nodes prevails in men, while their size is greater in women. The size of these nodes in persons of both sex is greater to the left than to the right. There are connections (in 3% of cases) between the external iliac lymph nodes and aortal and lumbar nodes of the opposite side.     

Brugia pahangi: susceptibility and macroscopic pathology of golden hamster.

Twenty male hamsters were inoculated with 95 to 150 infective larvae of B. pahangi via the subcutaneous route. Worms recovered from 19 hamsters averaged 14% (0–32) from 11 hamsters killed at 105–195 days after infection and 16% (5–19) from 8 hamsters examined at 23–45 days after infection. Approximately one-half of the worms recovered were from the lymphatic vessels of the testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord. A few were found in afferent or efferent vessels of regional lymph nodes. The remaining worms were from the heart and lungs. Low-level microfilaremias were observed in 10 of 12 hamsters held for over 100 days. The average prepatent period was 89 days (65–128). Worms were recovered for up to 3 weeks following inoculation of nine hamsters via the intraperitoneal route with 100–400 infective larvae of B. pahangi.Gross lymphatic pathologic lesions consisted of moderate to marked dilation of lymphatic vessels, enlargement of regional lymph nodes, and numerous lymphthrombi and emboli. Macroscopic changes were most consistent and severe in the lymphatic vessels of the testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord and were noted less frequently in the afferent or efferent vessels of various regional lymph nodes. Areas of reddish discoloration were observed frequently on the serosal surface of the lung in infected hamsters.     

Morphometric data on the lymph capillaries of the ventricles of the rabbit heart

A morphometric analysis was done on the lymph capillaries of both left and right ventricles from the rabbit heart. The measurements were made on the lymphatics identified in the subepicardium, myocardium and subendocardium of the ventricular walls. Quantitative evaluations were carried out on light and electron microscopic sections by a computerized image analysis system. The following parameters were selected and measured: (1) the diameter (of area-equivalent circle) of lymph capillaries, (2) the diameter of the uncoated micropinocytotic vesicles (located on the abluminal and adluminal side and in the cytoplasm of the endothelial cell) and the area occupied by the vesicles per unit area of cytoplasm. Differences in the size of the lymph capillaries were found in the three layers (subepicardium, myocardium and subendocardium) of the ventricular walls. The largest vessels were present in the subepicardium both in the left ventricle and in the right one. No significant variations were found in the lymphatics of corresponding regions on both ventricles. Little variations on the mean diameter of the uncoated micropinocytotic vesicles are present in the three regions of the endothelial wall. In the left ventricle only, the subendocardial vesicles are significantly larger than the subepicardial and the myocardial ones (p less than 0.05). The areal density occupied by vesicular system in the three layers of the ventricular wall showed significant differences in both ventricles (p less than 0.05). The vesicles present in the subepicardial vessels occupied the smallest areal density. No significant variations existed in the vesicular areal density between the two ventricles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Individual and sexual characteristics of the common iliac lymph nodes in elderly persons

The common iliac lymph nodes (CILN) have been investigated on 24 preparations from corpses of elderly persons (5 male and 7 female corpses), died from the causes not connected with the lymphatic system diseases, lower extremities and pelvic organs. The CILN with their afferent and deferent lymphatic vessels are revealed by means of interstitial injection into the lower extremities and pelvic organs, as well as by means of direct injection into lymphatic vessels. The form, amount, size and topography of CILN are studied. Lymphatic vessels, running from certain parts of the body and organs to various subgroups of CILN are described, as well as lymphatic vessels, connecting the nodes both within each subgroup and between the subgroups. There is a tendency in prevalence of amount and size of the lateral subgroup of the lymph nodes over the nodes of other subgroups of CILN; tendency in prevalence of amount of the lymph nodes in men, and their size--in women; prevalence of amount of right CILN and their size in the left--in persons of both sex; in 70% of the cases the amount of afferent lymphatic vessels to CILN prevails over that of the deferent lymph nodes.     

Aging‐related anatomical and biochemical changes in lymphatic collectors impair lymph transport,fluid homeostasis,and pathogen clearance

The role of lymphatic vessels is to transport fluid, soluble molecules, and immune cells to the draining lymph nodes. Here, we analyze how the aging process affects the functionality of the lymphatic collectors and the dynamics of lymph flow. Ultrastructural, biochemical, and proteomic analysis indicates a loss of matrix proteins, and smooth muscle cells in aged collectors resulting in a decrease in contraction frequency, systolic lymph flow velocity, and pumping activity, as measured in vivo in lymphatic collectors. Functionally, this impairment also translated into a reduced ability for in vivo bacterial transport as determined by time‐lapse microscopy. Ultrastructural and proteomic analysis also indicates a decrease in the thickness of the endothelial cell glycocalyx and loss of gap junction proteins in aged lymph collectors. Redox proteomic analysis mapped an aging‐related increase in the glycation and carboxylation of lymphatic's endothelial cell and matrix proteins. Functionally, these modifications translate into apparent hyperpermeability of the lymphatics with pathogen escaping from the collectors into the surrounding tissue and a decreased ability to control tissue fluid homeostasis. Altogether, our data provide a mechanistic analysis of how the anatomical and biochemical changes, occurring in aged lymphatic vessels, compromise lymph flow, tissue fluid homeostasis, and pathogen transport.     

Segmented lymph nodes in man

Segmentary lumbar, posterior pancreato-duodenal and inferior tracheobronchial lymph nodes have been investigated macro- and microscopically. The segmentary lymph nodes reach 12 X 45 X 45 mm, 10 X 25 X 100 mm in size. Most often these nodes are found among the posterior pancreato-duodenal lymph nodes (92%). They represent a conglomerate of smaller lymph nodes growing together and having their own capsule, parenchyma, sinuses, afferent and deferent lymph vessels and are united into one large node.     

Distribution and origin of substance P and neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive nerves in the guinea-pig heart

Summary The localization and origin of substance P (SP)-, neuropeptide Y (NPY)-, and noradrenaline/tyrosine hydroxylase (NA/TH)-immunoreactive (IR) nerves in the guinea-pig heart were investigated by means of immunohistochemistry; quantitative analysis was performed by radioimmunoassay (NPY) and high performance liquid chromatography (NA). Both untreated animals and animals subjected to stellatectomy, combined stellatectomy and local capsaicin pretreatment of the vagal nerves or systemic application of capsaicin were studied. A dense network of SP-IR nerves was observed in the right atrium in different locations: (1) around local cardiac ganglion cells, (2) close to blood vessels, (3) within the myocardium, and (4) close to and within peri and endocardium.A moderately dense SP-innervation, mainly related to blood vessels, was found in the ventricles. Very dense networks of NPY and TH-IR nerve fibers with an overlapping distributional pattern around blood vessels and in the myocardium were seen in both the atria and the ventricles. In addition, some cell bodies in local cardiac ganglia were NPY-IR. Bilateral stellatectomy resulted in a reduction of SP-IR in the right atrium (55% of control), which was more pronounced after additional capsaicin pretreatment of the vagal nerves (44% of control).In the left ventricle no significant depletion of SP-IR was seen by either stellatectomy or combined stellatectomy and capsaicin treatment of the vagal nerves. It was not possible to establish any defined target areas within the heart for vagal or spinal SP-IR afferents by use of immunohistochemical methods. Systemic capsaicin treatment caused a total loss of SP-IR nerves in the heart. After bilateral stellatectomy the levels of NPY-IR and NA were reduced to about 10% of control in both the right atrium and left ventricle. In accordance, NPY and TH-IR nerves were also almost totally absent in the heart after bilateral stellatectomy.     

Lymphatic Territories (Lymphosomes) in a Canine: An Animal Model for Investigation of Postoperative Lymphatic Alterations

Background

Lymph node dissection is often performed as a part of surgical treatment for breast cancer and malignant melanoma to prevent malignant cells from traveling via the lymphatic system. Currently little is known about postoperative lymphatic drainage pattern alterations. This knowledge may be useful for management of recurrent cancer and prevention of breast cancer related lymphedema. We mapped the complete superficial lymphatic system of a dog and used this canine model to perform preliminary studies of lymphatic architectural changes in postoperative condition.

Methods

Lymphatic territories (lymphosomes) were mapped with 4 female mongrel carcasses using an indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent lymphography and a radiographic microinjection technique. Two live dogs were then subjected to unilateral lymph node dissection of lymph basins of the forelimb, and ICG lymphography and lymphangiogram were performed 6 months after the surgery to investigate lymphatic changes. Lymphatic patterns in the carcass were then compared with postoperative lymphatic patterns in the live dogs.

Results

Ten lymphosomes were identified, corresponding with ten lymphatic basins. Postoperative fluorescent lymphographic images and lymphangiograms in the live dogs revealed small caliber lymphatic network fulfilling gaps in the surgical area and collateral lymphatic vessels arising from the network connecting to lymph nodes in the contralateral and ipsilateral neck in one dog and the ipsilateral subclavicular vein in another dog.

Conclusion

Our canine lymphosome map allowed us to observe lymphatic collateral formations after lymph node dissection in live dogs. This canine model may help clarify our understanding of postoperative lymphatic changes in humans in future studies.     

Individual and age-related differences in the anatomy of the main deferent lymphatic vessels of the human heart and their applied significance

One hundred human hearts of various age have been investigated. Structure, size of their main deferent lymphatic vessels are defined by the organ's form, sex and age of the persons. According to the position signs, extreme forms of their topography have been revealed. In the left--the course in the adventitia of the anterior wall of the pulmonary trunk and of the ascending aorta. In the left--the course in the adventitia of the right lateral wall of the ascending aorta and of the pulmonary trunk. The number of the extraorganic vessels, that bring lymph out of the heart, is from 1 up to 3. The anastomoses made between certain parts of the lymph nodes and the extraorganic lymphatic vessels in the transplanted and removed hearts are more economic.     

Fine needle aspiration diagnosis of lymphangiomyomatosis. A case report

BACKGROUND: Lymphangiomyomatosis is a rare disease of females, usually of reproductive age. There is a proliferation of lymphatic smooth muscle in mediastinal, retroperitoneal and often pulmonary lymphatics and lymph nodes. CASE: A 45-year-old female presented with a right pleural effusion and increasing retroperitoneal adenopathy with palpable left inguinal adenopathy. Three months previously she had undergone a right salpingo-oophrectomy for an ovarian fibroma with concomitant left ovarian wedge biopsy, myomectomy for leiomyomas and partial omentectomy. Three years previously, at age 42, she had experienced two transient episodes of chylous pleural effusion with no sequelae. She underwent computed tomography-guided fine needle aspiration of a 4-cm inguinal lymph node to rule out lymphoma. CONCLUSION: Fine needle aspiration of lymphangiomyomatosis yields distinctive cytologic morphology. This characteristic morphology, in combination with the appropriate history, permits a minimally invasive, timely and in this particular case, entirely unexpected diagnosis.     

Effect of increased left atrial pressure on breathing frequency in anesthetized dog

Distension or loading of the isolated canine left heart caused reflex tachypnea in prior studies. The object of the present effort was to explore the possibility that this depended primarily on atrial distension. Cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion and ligation of pulmonary veins were used to isolate the left-heart chambers of anesthetized dogs. Simultaneous distension of the beating left atrium and fibrillating ventricle stimulated breathing frequency (f), whereas isolated ventricular distension did not. At other times, intervals of atrial fibrillation were imposed under two different conditions: 1) while the right heart and lungs were bypassed and systemic perfusion was provided by the left ventricle using blood returned to the left atrium by pump and 2) while the ventricles fibrillated and systemic perfusion was supplied directly by the pump. Atrial fibrillation increased left atrial pressure and stimulated f in condition 1. In condition 2, f increased only if fibrillation was associated with a rise in left atrial pressure. Vagal cooling blocked the effect of fibrillation. I conclude that left atrial distension may initiate reflex tachypnea.     

Dendritic-cell trafficking to lymph nodes through lymphatic vessels

Antigen-presenting dendritic cells often acquire foreign antigens in peripheral tissues such as the skin. Optimal encounter with naive T cells for the presentation of these antigens requires that the dendritic cells migrate to draining lymph nodes through lymphatic vessels. In this article, we review important aspects of what is known about dendritic-cell trafficking into and through lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes. We present these findings in the context of information about lymphatic-vessel biology. Gaining a better understanding of the crosstalk between dendritic cells and lymphatic vessels during the migration of dendritic cells to lymph nodes is essential for future advances in manipulating dendritic-cell migration as a means to fine-tune immune responses in clinical settings.