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Emerging lymphatic imaging technologies for mouse and man
Eva M. Sevick-Muraca, … , Sunkuk Kwon, John C. Rasmussen
Eva M. Sevick-Muraca, … , Sunkuk Kwon, John C. Rasmussen
Published March 3, 2014
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2014;124(3):905-914. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI71612.
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Review Series

Emerging lymphatic imaging technologies for mouse and man

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Abstract

The lymphatic circulatory system has diverse functions in lipid absorption, fluid homeostasis, and immune surveillance and responds dynamically when presented with infection, inflammation, altered hemodynamics, and cancer. Visualization of these dynamic processes in human disease and animal models of disease is key to understanding the contributory role of the lymphatic circulatory system in disease and to devising effective therapeutic strategies. Longitudinal, non-destructive, and repeated imaging is necessary to expand our understanding of disease progression and regression in basic science and clinical investigations. Herein we summarize recent advances in in vivo lymphatic imaging employing magnetic resonance, computed tomography, lymphoscintigraphy, and emerging optical techniques with respect to their contributory roles in both basic science and clinical research investigations.

Authors

Eva M. Sevick-Muraca, Sunkuk Kwon, John C. Rasmussen

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Figure 1

Routes of contrast agent administration.

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Routes of contrast agent administration.
(i) Intradermal/interstitial ad...
(i) Intradermal/interstitial administration or indirect lymphography results in contrast agent uptake (arrows) into the lymphatic capillary plexus, which is the entry point for the peripheral lymphatics, through collecting and conducting lymphatic vessels, into LNs and eventually into the truncal lymphatics and thoracic duct that drains into the subclavian vein. (ii) Intra-lymphatic administration or direct lymphography consists of cannulating a collecting lymphatic vessel for direct access to the lymphatic vasculature for imaging of peripheral and truncal lymphatics. (iii) Oral gavage of hydrophobic lipids results in uptake through the lacteals into the mesenteric lymphatics that eventually drain to the truncal lymphatics and into the thoracic duct. (iv) Intravenous administration of lymphatic contrast gains access to the lymphatic space predominantly through the high endothelial venules in the LNs or through the reticulo-endothelial system. With the exception of intra-lymphatic administration (ii), these routes of administration are accessible in mouse models of lymphatic disorders.

Copyright © 2025 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)

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