Canine cardiac lymph potassium, pH and flow after experimental myocardial infarction.

Canine cardiac lymph was studied after acute experimental myocardial infarction. The lymph potassium concentration remained the same, the lymph potassium content increased, the lymph pH decreased, and the lymph flow increased while the serum potassium and pH remained the same. It is suggested that localized hypoxia may result in cellular changes that release substances, e.g., potassium, to the interstitial space where they mobilize fluid and enhance lymph flow.