Abstract
Abstract
Background:
We performed experiments to test whether isolated lymphatic vessels would remain viable after overnight long-distance shipment.
Methods and Results:
Freshly isolated segments of rat mesenteric lymphatic vessels were placed into tubes filled by chilled D-MEM/F12 supplemented with antibiotics and shipped via overnight by express mail from College Station, TX to Columbia, MO. Standard physiological and pharmacological tests were performed to investigate the influence of the long-distance transport procedure on the spontaneous contractility of isolated, cannulated, and pressurized rat mesenteric lymphatic vessels. The results demonstrate that normal contractile function of isolated lymphatic vessels can be preserved with long-distance shipping and subsequent overnight recovery if the proper precautions are taken.
Conclusions:
The method of lymphatic vessel transportation described in this report opens up the opportunity to perform in vitro functional tests on lymphatic tissues harvested and initially processed in a remote location. In addition, the described procedures may expand the options for potential sources of fresh human tissue, harvested during surgery or autopsy and allowed to be available to lymphatic researchers in remote locations.
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