Correlative 3D Imaging and Microfluidic Modelling of Human Pulmonary Lymphatics using Immunohistochemistry and High-resolution μCT.

Lung lymphatics maintain fluid homoeostasis by providing a drainage system that returns fluid, cells and metabolites to the circulatory system. The 3D structure of the human pulmonary lymphatic network is essential to lung function, but it is poorly characterised. Image-based 3D mathematical modelling of pulmonary lymphatic microfluidics has been limited by the lack of accurate and representative image geometries.