Influence of elevated venous pressure on flow and composition of renal lymph

¹ Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana

Lymph was collected from renal capsular lymphatics in anesthetized dogs before, during and after periods of raised venous pressure produced by partial occlusion of the inferior vena cava. Renal lymph flow increased about five times during the period of elevated pressure. Electrolytes and protein flows changed proportionately except at high venous pressure (30–35 cm H₂O) when disproportionately high levels of protein were found in renal lymph. Urine flow and sodium excretion decreased during the periods of elevated venous pressure. With increased venous pressure, lymph flow in one lymphatic may equal or exceed urine flow from the ureter of the same kidney. The results are interpreted as supporting the countercurrent hypothesis of urine formation and as indicating a possible role of the renal lymphatics in renal diseases and in the retention of sodium and water found in congestive heart failure.