Abdominal lymphatic pump treatment increases leukocyte count and flux in thoracic duct lymph.

Background: Previous studies suggest that rhythmic compression of the abdomen (abdominal lymphatic pump techniques, LPT) enhances immunity and resistance to infectious disease, but direct evidence of this has not been documented. In this study, the thoracic duct of eight anesthetized mongrel dogs was catheterized, so the immediate effects of LPT on lymph flow and leukocyte output could be measured.

Methods And Results: Lymph flow was measured by timed collection or ultrasonic flowmeter, and lymph was collected over ice under 1) resting (baseline) conditions, and 2) during application of LPT.