Dantrolene Prevents the Lymphostasis Caused by Doxorubicin in the Rat Mesenteric Circulation.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a risk factor for arm lymphedema in breast cancer patients. We reported that DOX opens ryanodine receptors (RYRs) to enact "calcium leak," which disrupts the rhythmic contractions of lymph vessels (LVs) to attenuate lymph flow. Here, we evaluated whether dantrolene, a clinically available RYR1 subtype antagonist, prevents the detrimental effects of DOX on lymphatic function.

K Channel Openers Inhibit Lymphatic Contractions and Lymph Flow as a Possible Mechanism of Peripheral Edema.

Pharmacological openers of ATP-sensitive potassium (K) channels are effective antihypertensive agents, but off-target effects, including severe peripheral edema, limit their clinical usefulness. It is presumed that the arterial dilation induced by K channel openers (KCOs) increases capillary pressure to promote filtration edema. However, K channels also are expressed by lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs), raising the possibility that KCOs also attenuate lymph flow to increase interstitial fluid.

High-speed microscopy for in vivo monitoring of lymph dynamics.

The lymphatic system contributes to body homeostasis by clearing fluid, lipids, plasma proteins and immune cells from the interstitial space. Many studies have been performed to understand lymphatic function under normal conditions and during disease. Nevertheless, a further improvement in quantification of lymphatic behavior is needed.