Changes in myocardial fluid filtration are reflected in epicardial lymph pressure

Open-chest anesthetized dogs were analyzed to determine the effects of altered fluid balance and increased fluid filtration on the rate of interstitial volume change. Analysis of open-chest anesthetized dogs after histamine infusion indicated the presence of increased systolic and diastolic peak in stopped-flow epicardial lymph pressure. Furthermore, the effects of histamine on lymph pressure were mediated by interstitial and lymph filling indicating the role of cardiac contraction in preventing myocardial edema.