The Effect of the Pulse upon the Formation and Flow of Lymph

The ears of rabbits were perfused with defibrinated rabbit's blood in such a way that pulsation could be imparted to the perfusate or withheld from it at will. In the absence of pulsation there was almost no lymph flow, whereas when it was present lymph flow was rapid despite the fact that the "systolic" pressure of the perfusate never exceeded the constant pressure in the non-pulsatile instances and the volume flow was far less. Non-pulsatile perfusion led to a slight flow of lymph in ears that were becoming edematous, whereas when it was pulsatile the lymph flow was enormous. The pulse exercises an influence to move fluid into the lymphatics and along them.