Motility, lymphatic contractility, and distention pressure in intestinal absorption

¹ Department of Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota

With an in vitro rat intestine preparation, it was found that intraluminal distention pressure, intestinal motility, and mesenteric lymphatic contractility are essential factors in the elevation of lymphatic pressure and lymph flow, which are correlated with fluid absorption rate. Epinephrine and Na pentobarbital inhibit motility and decrease lymphatic pressure and lymph flow. Serotonin and physostigmine stimulate motility and increase lymphatic pressure and lymph flow. In segments without motility, lymphatic pressure depends on distention pressure. At zero distention pressure with little motility, epinephrine stimulates lymphatic contractility and increases lymphatic pressure. These observations seem to suggest that distention pressure, lymphatic contractility, and intestinal motility increase net fluid absorption by promoting lymph flow.

Key Words: intestinal motility • lymphatic pressure • lymph flow

Submitted on May 6, 1964