Recent experimental evidence indicates that lymphatics have two valve systems, a set of primary valves in the wall of the endothelial cells of initial lymphatics and a secondary valve system in the lumen of the lymphatics. While the intralymphatic secondary valves are well described, no analysis of the primary valves is available. We propose a model for primary lymphatics valves at the junctions between lymphatic endothelial cells. The model consists of two overlapping endothelial extensions at a cell junction in the initial lymphatics. One cell extension is firmly attached to the adjacent connective tissue while the other cell extension is not attached to the interstitial collagen. It is free to bend into the lumen of the lymphatic when the lymphatic pressure falls below the adjacent interstitial fluid pressure. Thereby the cell junction opens a gap permitting entry of interstitial fluid into the lymphatic lumen. When the lymphatic fluid pressure rises above the adjacent interstitial fluid pressure, the endothelial extensions contact each other and the junction is closed preventing fluid reflow into the interstitial space. The model illustrates the mechanics of valve action and provides the first time a rational analysis of the mechanisms underlying fluid collection in the initial lymphatics and lymph transport in the microcirculation.
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June 2003
Technical Papers
A Model for Mechanics of Primary Lymphatic Valves
Ernesto Mendoza,
Ernesto Mendoza
Department of Bioengineering, The Whitaker Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412
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Geert W. Schmid-Scho¨nbein
Geert W. Schmid-Scho¨nbein
Department of Bioengineering, The Whitaker Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412
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Ernesto Mendoza
Department of Bioengineering, The Whitaker Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412
Geert W. Schmid-Scho¨nbein
Department of Bioengineering, The Whitaker Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412
Contributed by the Bioengineering Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING. Manuscript received Sept. 2002; revised manuscript received Dec. 2002. Associate Editor: C. Dong.
J Biomech Eng. Jun 2003, 125(3): 407-414 (8 pages)
Published Online: June 10, 2003
Article history
Received:
September 1, 2002
Revised:
December 1, 2002
Online:
June 10, 2003
Citation
Mendoza, E., and Schmid-Scho¨nbein, G. W. (June 10, 2003). "A Model for Mechanics of Primary Lymphatic Valves ." ASME. J Biomech Eng. June 2003; 125(3): 407–414. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1568128
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