Browsing by Author "Wu, Theresa Faith"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Open Access Lymphatic vessel function in a guinea pig model of intestinal inflammation, and the role of inflammatory mediators(2006) Wu, Theresa Faith; von der Weid, Pierre-Yves; MacNaughton, Wallace K.Lymphatics play a vital role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and are especially important in the resolution of inflammation-associated edema. Whether this function is preserved under inflammatory conditions has to be demonstrated. The aim of this thesis was to (1) develop a protocol for investigating lymphatic vessel function during gastrointestinal inflammation (2) characterize the response of the lymphatics to gastrointestinal inflammation, and (3) investigate possible mechanisms of altered lymphatic vessel behaviour under these conditions. Specifically, the role of cyclooxygenases was investigated. Experiments were conducted both in vivo and in vitro using a guinea pig model of gastrointestinal inflammation. Results showed that lymphatic vessel behaviour was indeed altered during inflammation; the degree of alteration was found to correlate with the severity of inflammation, lymphatic contractile activity was partially abolished, vessels were distended, and the amplitude of lymphatic wall constrictions was altered. Flow rate and stroke volume were also significantly reduced. These functions were partially restored by the inhibition of cyclooxygenases.