Protein absorption from the perricardial cavity

Summary

The absorption of radioactive labeled protein from the pericardial cavity and from the parietal and visceral membranes of the pericardium was investigated in 49 dogs. The absorption of 1 ml/kg injected diluted dog serum is slow (T1/2 about 24 hrs). The rate of protein absorption, particularly of the lymphatic transport, is lower from the parietal pericardium than from the epicardium. About 35 to 50% of the protein absorbed from the pericardium is removed by the blood capillaries, the rest by the lymphatic system. The major part, about 60%, of the protein absorbed by the lymphatics is transported by the cardiac lymph vessel, the remainder by lymphatics joining the great veins on the right side of the neck. The thoracic duct plays only an insignificant part in the transport of protein from the pericardial cavity.