Intrinsic contractility of leg lymphatics in man. Preliminary communication.

Intralymphatic pressures were measured in subcutaneous trunks of 5 randomly selected healthy individuals. Rhythmic pulse waves of different frequency, amplitude of 1-33 mmHg, duration of 6-8 sec and steadily increasing mean pressure up to 50-120 mmHg were found, with subjects in the upright position and motionless. Coincidence of the rhythm of pulse waves with the rhythm of expression of drops of lymph from the cannula strongly suggests that pressures necessary to propel lymph were generated by the contractility of lymph vessel wall.