1
|
Jayathungage Don TD, Safaei S, Maso Talou GD, Russell PS, Phillips ARJ, Reynolds HM. Computational fluid dynamic modeling of the lymphatic system: a review of existing models and future directions. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2024; 23:3-22. [PMID: 37902894 PMCID: PMC10901951 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01780-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Historically, research into the lymphatic system has been overlooked due to both a lack of knowledge and limited recognition of its importance. In the last decade however, lymphatic research has gained substantial momentum and has included the development of a variety of computational models to aid understanding of this complex system. This article reviews existing computational fluid dynamic models of the lymphatics covering each structural component including the initial lymphatics, pre-collecting and collecting vessels, and lymph nodes. This is followed by a summary of limitations and gaps in existing computational models and reasons that development in this field has been hindered to date. Over the next decade, efforts to further characterize lymphatic anatomy and physiology are anticipated to provide key data to further inform and validate lymphatic fluid dynamic models. Development of more comprehensive multiscale- and multi-physics computational models has the potential to significantly enhance the understanding of lymphatic function in both health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Soroush Safaei
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gonzalo D Maso Talou
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter S Russell
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anthony R J Phillips
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hayley M Reynolds
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sedaghati F, Dixon JB, Gleason RL. A 1D model characterizing the role of spatiotemporal contraction distributions on lymph transport. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21241. [PMID: 38040740 PMCID: PMC10692214 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48131-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema is a condition in which lymph transport is compromised. The factors that govern the timing of lymphatic contractions are largely unknown; however, these factors likely play a central role in lymphatic health. Computational models have proven useful in quantifying changes in lymph transport; nevertheless, there is still much unknown regarding the regulation of contractions. The purpose of this paper is to utilize computational modeling to examine the role of pacemaking activity in lymph transport. A 1D fluid-solid modeling framework was utilized to describe the interaction between the contracting vessel and the lymph flow. The distribution of contractions along a three-lymphangion chain in time and space was determined by specifying the pacemaking sites and parameters obtained from experimentation. The model effectively replicates the contractility patterns in experiments. Quantitatively, the flow rates were measured at 5.44 and 2.29 [Formula: see text], and the EF values were 78% and less than 33% in the WT and KO models, respectively, which are consistent with the literature. Applying pacemaking parameters in this modeling framework effectively captures lymphatic contractile wave propagations and their relation to lymph transport. It can serve as a motivation for conducting novel studies to evaluate lymphatic pumping function during the development of lymphedema.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farbod Sedaghati
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
- The Wallace H. Coulter Georgia Tech/Emory Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rudolph L Gleason
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- The Wallace H. Coulter Georgia Tech/Emory Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 387 Technology Circle, Room 216F, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sestito LF, To KH, Cribb MT, Archer PA, Thomas SN, Dixon JB. Lymphatic-draining nanoparticles deliver Bay K8644 payload to lymphatic vessels and enhance their pumping function. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabq0435. [PMID: 36827374 PMCID: PMC9956116 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of collecting lymphatic vessel pumping is associated with an array of pathologies. S-(-)-Bay K8644 (BayK), a small-molecule agonist of L-type calcium channels, improves vessel contractility ex vivo but has been left unexplored in vivo because of poor lymphatic access and risk of deleterious off-target effects. When formulated within lymph-draining nanoparticles (NPs), BayK acutely improved lymphatic vessel function, effects not seen from treatment with BayK in its free form. By preventing rapid drug access to the circulation, NP formulation also reduced BayK's dose-limiting side effects. When applied to a mouse model of lymphedema, treatment with BayK formulated in lymph-draining NPs, but not free BayK, improved pumping pressure generated by intact lymphatic vessels and tissue remodeling associated with the pathology. This work reveals the utility of a lymph-targeting NP platform to pharmacologically enhance lymphatic pumping in vivo and highlights a promising approach to treating lymphatic dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren F. Sestito
- Wallace H. Coulter School of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering, Valparaiso University, 1900 Chapel Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA
| | - Kim H. T. To
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Matthew T. Cribb
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Paul A. Archer
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Susan N. Thomas
- Wallace H. Coulter School of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - J. Brandon Dixon
- Wallace H. Coulter School of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Morris CJ, Zawieja DC, Moore JE. A multiscale sliding filament model of lymphatic muscle pumping. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:2179-2202. [PMID: 34476656 PMCID: PMC8595193 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01501-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatics maintain fluid balance by returning interstitial fluid to veins via contraction/compression of vessel segments with check valves. Disruption of lymphatic pumping can result in a condition called lymphedema with interstitial fluid accumulation. Lymphedema treatments are often ineffective, which is partially attributable to insufficient understanding of specialized lymphatic muscle lining the vessels. This muscle exhibits cardiac-like phasic contractions and smooth muscle-like tonic contractions to generate and regulate flow. To understand the relationship between this sub-cellular contractile machinery and organ-level pumping, we have developed a multiscale computational model of phasic and tonic contractions in lymphatic muscle and coupled it to a lymphangion pumping model. Our model uses the sliding filament model (Huxley in Prog Biophys Biophys Chem 7:255-318, 1957) and its adaptation for smooth muscle (Mijailovich in Biophys J 79(5):2667-2681, 2000). Multiple structural arrangements of contractile components and viscoelastic elements were trialed but only one provided physiologic results. We then coupled this model with our previous lumped parameter model of the lymphangion to relate results to experiments. We show that the model produces similar pressure, diameter, and flow tracings to experiments on rat mesenteric lymphatics. This model provides the first estimates of lymphatic muscle contraction energetics and the ability to assess the potential effects of sub-cellular level phenomena such as calcium oscillations on lymphangion outflow. The maximum efficiency value predicted (40%) is at the upper end of estimates for other muscle types. Spontaneous calcium oscillations during diastole were found to increase outflow up to approximately 50% in the range of frequencies and amplitudes tested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Morris
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - David C Zawieja
- College of Medicine Faculty, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA
| | - James E Moore
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Elich H, Barrett A, Shankar V, Fogelson AL. Pump efficacy in a two-dimensional, fluid-structure interaction model of a chain of contracting lymphangions. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:1941-1968. [PMID: 34275062 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01486-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The transport of lymph through the lymphatic vasculature is the mechanism for returning excess interstitial fluid to the circulatory system, and it is essential for fluid homeostasis. Collecting lymphatic vessels comprise a significant portion of the lymphatic vasculature and are divided by valves into contractile segments known as lymphangions. Despite its importance, lymphatic transport in collecting vessels is not well understood. We present a computational model to study lymph flow through chains of valved, contracting lymphangions. We used the Navier-Stokes equations to model the fluid flow and the immersed boundary method to handle the two-way, fluid-structure interaction in 2D, non-axisymmetric simulations. We used our model to evaluate the effects of chain length, contraction style, and adverse axial pressure difference (AAPD) on cycle-mean flow rates (CMFRs). In the model, longer lymphangion chains generally yield larger CMFRs, and they fail to generate positive CMFRs at higher AAPDs than shorter chains. Simultaneously contracting pumps generate the largest CMFRs at nearly every AAPD and for every chain length. Due to the contraction timing and valve dynamics, non-simultaneous pumps generate lower CMFRs than the simultaneous pumps; the discrepancy diminishes as the AAPD increases. Valve dynamics vary with the contraction style and exhibit hysteretic opening and closing behaviors. Our model provides insight into how contraction propagation affects flow rates and transport through a lymphangion chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hallie Elich
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Aaron Barrett
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Varun Shankar
- School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Aaron L Fogelson
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wolf KT, Dixon JB, Alexeev A. Fluid pumping of peristaltic vessel fitted with elastic valves. JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS 2021; 918:A28. [PMID: 34366443 PMCID: PMC8340933 DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2021.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Using numerical simulations, we probe the fluid flow in an axisymmetric peristaltic vessel fitted with elastic bi-leaflet valves. In this biomimetic system that mimics the flow generated in lymphatic vessels, we investigate the effects of the valve and vessel properties on pumping performance of the valved peristaltic vessel. The results indicate that valves significantly increase pumping by reducing backflow. The presence of valves, however, increases the viscous resistance therefore requiring greater work compared to valveless vessels. The benefit of the valves is the most significant when the fluid is pumped against an adverse pressure gradient and for low vessel contraction wave speeds. We identify the optimum vessel and valve parameters leading to the maximum pumping efficiency. We show that the optimum valve elasticity maximizes the pumping flow rate by allowing the valve to block more effectively the backflow while maintaining low resistance during the forward flow. We also examine the pumping in vessels where the vessel contraction amplitude is a function of the adverse pressure gradient as found in lymphatic vessels. We find that in this case the flow is limited by the work generated by the contracting vessel, suggesting that the pumping in lymphatic vessels is constrained by the performance of lymphatic muscle. Given the regional heterogeneity of valve morphology observed throughout the lymphatic vasculature, these results provide insight into how these variations might facilitate efficient lymphatic transport in the vessel's local physiologic context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki Tae Wolf
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - J. Brandon Dixon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| | - Alexander Alexeev
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Polomska AK, Proulx ST. Imaging technology of the lymphatic system. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 170:294-311. [PMID: 32891679 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic system plays critical roles in tissue fluid homeostasis and immunity and has been implicated in the development of many different pathologies, ranging from lymphedema, the spread of cancer to chronic inflammation. In this review, we first summarize the state-of-the-art of lymphatic imaging in the clinic and the advantages and disadvantages of these existing techniques. We then detail recent progress on imaging technology, including advancements in tracer design and injection methods, that have allowed visualization of lymphatic vessels with excellent spatial and temporal resolution in preclinical models. Finally, we describe the different approaches to quantifying lymphatic function that are being developed and discuss some emerging topics for lymphatic imaging in the clinic. Continued advancements in lymphatic imaging technology will be critical for the optimization of diagnostic methods for lymphatic disorders and the evaluation of novel therapies targeting the lymphatic system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Polomska
- ETH Zürich, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vladimir-Prelog Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Steven T Proulx
- University of Bern, Theodor Kocher Institute, Freiestrasse 1, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Razavi MS, Dixon JB, Gleason RL. Characterization of rat tail lymphatic contractility and biomechanics: incorporating nitric oxide-mediated vasoregulation. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200598. [PMID: 32993429 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic system transports lymph from the interstitial space back to the great veins via a series of orchestrated contractions of chains of lymphangions. Biomechanical models of lymph transport, validated with ex vivo or in vivo experimental results, have proved useful in revealing novel insight into lymphatic pumping; however, a need remains to characterize the contributions of vasoregulatory compounds in these modelling tools. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key mediator of lymphatic pumping. We quantified the active contractile and passive biaxial biomechanical response of rat tail collecting lymphatics and changes in the contractile response to the exogenous NO administration and integrated these findings into a biomechanical model. The passive mechanical response was characterized with a three-fibre family model. Nonlinear regression and non-parametric bootstrapping were used to identify best-fit material parameters to passive cylindrical biaxial mechanical data, assessing uniqueness and parameter confidence intervals; this model yielded a good fit (R2 = 0.90). Exogenous delivery of NO via sodium nitroprusside (SNP) elicited a dose-dependent suppression of contractions; the amplitude of contractions decreased by 30% and the contraction frequency decreased by 70%. Contractile function was characterized with a modified Rachev-Hayashi model, introducing a parameter that is related to SNP concentration; the model provided a good fit (R2 = 0.89) to changes in contractile responses to varying concentrations of SNP. These results demonstrated the significant role of NO in lymphatic pumping and provide a predictive biomechanical model to integrate the combined effect of mechanical loading and NO on lymphatic contractility and mechanical response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S Razavi
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, 313 Ferst Drive, Atanta, GA 30332, USA.,Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Rudolph L Gleason
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, 313 Ferst Drive, Atanta, GA 30332, USA.,Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Razavi MS, Leonard-Duke J, Hardie B, Dixon JB, Gleason RL. Axial stretch regulates rat tail collecting lymphatic vessel contractions. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5918. [PMID: 32246026 PMCID: PMC7125298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62799-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic contractions play a fundamental role in maintaining tissue and organ homeostasis. The lymphatic system relies on orchestrated contraction of collecting lymphatic vessels, via lymphatic muscle cells and one-way valves, to transport lymph from the interstitial space back to the great veins, against an adverse pressure gradient. Circumferential stretch is known to regulate contractile function in collecting lymphatic vessels; however, less is known about the role of axial stretch in regulating contraction. It is likely that collecting lymphatic vessels are under axial strain in vivo and that the opening and closing of lymphatic valves leads to significant changes in axial strain throughout the pumping cycle. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the responsiveness of lympatic pumping to altered axial stretch. In situ measurements suggest that rat tail collecting lymphatic vessels are under an axial stretch of ~1.24 under normal physiological loads. Ex vivo experiments on isolated rat tail collecting lymphatics showed that the contractile metrics such as contractile amplitude, frequency, ejection fraction, and fractional pump flow are sensitive to axial stretch. Multiphoton microscopy showed that the predominant orientation of collagen fibers is in the axial direction, while lymphatic muscle cell nuclei and actin fibers are oriented in both circumferential and longitudinal directions, suggesting an axial component to contraction. Taken together, these results demonstrate the significance of axial stretch in lymphatic contractile function, suggest that axial stretch may play an important role in regulating lymph transport, and demonstrate that changes in axial strains could be an important factor in disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S Razavi
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Julie Leonard-Duke
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Becky Hardie
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.,The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.,The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Rudolph L Gleason
- The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA. .,The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA. .,The Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 315 Ferst Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nelson TS, Nepiyushchikh Z, Hooks JST, Razavi MS, Lewis T, Clement CC, Thoresen M, Cribb MT, Ross MK, Gleason RL, Santambrogio L, Peroni JF, Dixon JB. Lymphatic remodelling in response to lymphatic injury in the hind limbs of sheep. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 4:649-661. [PMID: 31873209 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0493-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Contractile activity in the lymphatic vasculature is essential for maintaining fluid balance within organs and tissues. However, the mechanisms by which collecting lymphatics adapt to changes in fluid load and how these adaptations influence lymphatic contractile activity are unknown. Here we report a model of lymphatic injury based on the ligation of one of two parallel lymphatic vessels in the hind limb of sheep and the evaluation of structural and functional changes in the intact, remodelling lymphatic vessel over a 42-day period. We show that the remodelled lymphatic vessel displayed increasing intrinsic contractile frequency, force generation and vessel compliance, as well as decreasing flow-mediated contractile inhibition via the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase. A computational model of a chain of lymphatic contractile segments incorporating these adaptations predicted increases in the flow-generation capacity of the remodelled vessel at the expense of normal mitochondrial function and elevated oxidative stress within the lymphatic muscle. Our findings may inform interventions for mitigating lymphatic muscle fatigue in patients with dysfunctional lymphatics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler S Nelson
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhanna Nepiyushchikh
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joshua S T Hooks
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mohammad S Razavi
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tristan Lewis
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Cristina C Clement
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Merrilee Thoresen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Matthew T Cribb
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mindy K Ross
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rudolph L Gleason
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John F Peroni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
A novel mouse tail lymphedema model for observing lymphatic pump failure during lymphedema development. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10405. [PMID: 31320677 PMCID: PMC6639358 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46797-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that many forms of secondary lymphedema in humans are driven by a progressive loss of lymphatic pump function after an initial risk-inducing event. However, the link between pump failure and disease progression has remained elusive due to experimental challenges in the clinical setting and a lack of adequate animal models. Using a novel surgical model of lymphatic injury, we track the adaptation and functional decline of the lymphatic network in response to surgery. This model mimics the histological hallmarks of the typical mouse tail lymphedema model while leaving an intact collecting vessel for analysis of functional changes during disease progression. Lymphatic function in the intact collecting vessel negatively correlated with swelling, while a loss of pumping pressure generation remained even after resolution of swelling. By using this model to study the role of obesity in lymphedema development, we show that obesity exacerbates acquired lymphatic pump failure following lymphatic injury, suggesting one mechanism through which obesity may worsen lymphedema. This lymphatic injury model will allow for future studies investigating the molecular mechanisms leading to lymphedema development.
Collapse
|
12
|
Doan TN, Bernard FC, McKinney JM, Dixon JB, Willett NJ. Endothelin-1 inhibits size dependent lymphatic clearance of PEG-based conjugates after intra-articular injection into the rat knee. Acta Biomater 2019; 93:270-281. [PMID: 30986528 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Clearance of particles from the knee is an essential mechanism to maintain healthy joint homeostasis and critical to the delivery of drugs and therapeutics. One of the limitations in developing disease modifying drugs for joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA), has been poor local retention of the drugs. Enhancing drug retention within the joint has been a target of biomaterial development, however, a fundamental understanding of joint clearance pathways has not been characterized. We applied near-infrared (NIR) imaging techniques to assess size-dependent in vivo clearance mechanisms of intra-articular injected, fluorescently-labelled polyethylene glycol (PEG-NIR) conjugates. The clearance of 2 kDa PEG-NIR (τ = 171 ± 11 min) was faster than 40 kDa PEG-NIR (τ = 243 ± 16 min). 40 kDa PEG-NIR signal was found in lumbar lymph node while 2 kDa PEG-NIR signal was not. Thus, these two conjugates may be cleared through different pathways, i.e. lymphatics for 40 kDa PEG-NIR and venous for 2 kDa PEG-NIR. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor of vessels, is elevated in synovial fluid of OA patients but, its effects on joint clearance are unknown. Intra-articular injection of ET-1 dose-dependently inhibited the clearance of both 2 kDa and 40 kDa PEG-NIR. ET-1 caused a 1.63 ± 0.17-fold increase in peak fluorescence for 2 kDa PEG-NIR and a 1.85 ± 0.15-fold increase for 40 kDa PEG-NIR; and ET-1 doubled their clearance time constants. The effects of ET-1 were blocked by co-injection of ET receptor antagonists, bosentan or BQ-123. These findings provide fundamental insight into retention and clearance mechanisms that should be considered in the development and delivery of drugs and biomaterial carriers for joint diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that in vivo knee clearance can be measured using NIR technology and that key factors, such as size of materials and biologics, can be investigated to define joint clearance mechanisms. Therapies targeting regulation of joint clearance may be an approach to treat joint diseases like osteoarthritis. Additionally, in vivo functional assessment of clearance may be used as diagnostics to monitor progression of joint diseases.
Collapse
|
13
|
Breslin JW, Yang Y, Scallan JP, Sweat RS, Adderley SP, Murfee WL. Lymphatic Vessel Network Structure and Physiology. Compr Physiol 2018; 9:207-299. [PMID: 30549020 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic system is comprised of a network of vessels interrelated with lymphoid tissue, which has the holistic function to maintain the local physiologic environment for every cell in all tissues of the body. The lymphatic system maintains extracellular fluid homeostasis favorable for optimal tissue function, removing substances that arise due to metabolism or cell death, and optimizing immunity against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other antigens. This article provides a comprehensive review of important findings over the past century along with recent advances in the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of lymphatic vessels, including tissue/organ specificity, development, mechanisms of lymph formation and transport, lymphangiogenesis, and the roles of lymphatics in disease. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:207-299, 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerome W Breslin
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Joshua P Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Richard S Sweat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Tampa, Louisiana, USA
| | - Shaquria P Adderley
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Walter L Murfee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Probing the effect of morphology on lymphatic valve dynamic function. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2018; 17:1343-1356. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-018-1030-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|