Lymphatic Pump Treatment Mobilizes Leukocytes from the Gastrointestinal Associated Lymphoid Tissue

Date

2008-12-01

Authors

Bearden, Melissa K.

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Abstract

Bearden, Melissa K., Lymphatic Pump Treatment Mobilizes Leukocytes from the Gastrointestinal Associated Lymphoid Tissue. Master of Science (Microbiology and Immunology), December, 2008, 39 pp., 4 tables, 5 illustrations, references, 40 titles. Lymphatic flow and the migration ofleukocytes are important to maintaining health. One treatment used to improve lymph flow is abdominal lymphatic pump treatment (LPT), which is thought to increase lymph return from the abdominal area. Previous research has shown the LPT increases lymph flow and leukocyte numbers in thoracic duct lymph, but further investigation into the specific cell types and their sources are needed. Through sampling the thoracic and intestinal lymph ducts, as well as the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), it was seen that there is an increase in cell output in the thoracic and intestinal ducts and the MLN during LPT as compared to baseline. This increase in cell output may help to augment the immune response during infection.

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