Chronic lymph flow and transcapillary fluid flux during angiotensin II hypertension.

The roles of the transvascular fluid flux and lymph flow in the distribution of extracellular fluid volume during angiotensin II (ANG II) hypertension were evaluated in 11 conscious dogs. Similarly, the factors regulating the distribution of plasma protein across the microvasculature were assessed. By the second day of ANG II infusion, the thoracic duct lymph flow had increased 58% above control, transcapillary fluid flux had increased 45%, and plasma volume, sulfate space, and interstitial fluid volume remained close to control. In addition, the thoracic duct lymph protein transport had increased 34%, and the accompanying increase in transcapillary protein flux prevented any change in plasma protein mass. Also, at this time, the lymph flow and protein transport from subcutaneous tissue in the hind limb were not increased, and the permeability-surface area product of this region decreased 40%. The origin of the increased thoracic duct lymph flow on day 2 probably was from the splanchnic bed. In conclusion, the increased lymph flow during ANG II hypertension compensated for the increase in transcapillary fluid flux, thus preventing edema formation.