Mesenteric lymph: the bridge to future management of critical illness.

Toxic factors released from the intestine have been implicated in the pathophysiology of severe acute illness, including acute pancreatitis, trauma and hemorrhagic shock, and burns. Toxic factors in mesenteric lymph may induce an inflammatory systemic response while bypassing the portal circulation and liver. This paper reviews current knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of mesenteric lymph and focuses on factors influencing its composition and flow, and potential therapeutic interventions.