Cardiac lymph: flow rates and composition in dogs

Cardiac lymph was obtained for study from 15 stock dogs. Rates of cardiac lymph flow were found to be substantially greater than previously reported. Anoxia observed in two dogs increased cardiac lymph flow. Data are presented on the protein, chloride, sodium, and potassium content of cardiac lymph and compared with values in arterial plasma. These base-line studies on the flow and composition of cardiac lymph help lay a groundwork for future investigations under varying hemodynamic circumstances. The lymph represents an important parameter of cardiac function; it arises from the interstitial space and can be expected to reflect the composition of the area drained. Complete metabolic and electrolyte balance studies of an organ like the heart should take into consideration the amount and composition of the lymphatic outflow.