Some Observations of T H E Thoracic Duct Lymph after Injection of Oil of T U R - Pentine into T H E Peritoneal Cavity

The physical relation existing between serous cavities and the vessels of the lymphatic circulation has been studied in the past by many investigators, and efforts have been made to trace the paths taken by foreign material, soluble and insoluble, in leaving the abdominal cavity. In this study we desired, particularly, to know if leucocytes that have entered the serous cavity as the result of an inflammatory process are returned to the circulation, and, if so, by what route. Some notice was also taken of the disposition made of insoluble pigment granules introduced into the abdominal cavity. In these experiments healthy dogs were used. In order to establish the process of inflammation in the serous cavity, five to ten cubic centimeters of oil of turpentine were injected under morphin anesthesia through the abdominal wall by means of an ordinary syringe. In several instances a red dye was conveyed along with the turpentine into the abdominal cavity. At different intervals after the injection, the animals were examined. Under anesthesia (chloretone) the thoracic duct was isolated in the neck, and a cannula introduced. Total and differential counts of the cells in the thoracic duct lymph were made in the usual way. The abdominal cavity was opened under anesthesia, care being taken to prevent blood from mixing with the fluid collected in the peritoneal cavity. Counts and study of types of cell in the effusion were then made. The observations and conclusions based upon this set of experiments are briefly stated in this paper.