Effect of contraction on lymphatic, venous, and tissue electr-lytes and metabolites in rabbit skeletal muscle

The effect of muscle contraction on lymphatic and plasma [K+], [Na+], [Ca2+], [Mg2+], [Cl-], [Pi], [lactate] ([Lac-]); [creatine] ([Cr]), ideal osmolality (OSM), and [protein] was evaluated in femoral venous blood and lymph specimens sampled from the calf muscles of rabbits before, in the course of, and after contractions. In addition, total [K+], [Na+], [Ca2+], [Mg2+], [Cl-], and [H2O] were analyzed in the muscle tissue. To facilitate lymph sampling both hind limbs were passively flexed and extended, in imitation of natural running movements, by an electrically driven crank. The muscles of one side also performed superimposed rhythmic isotonic contractions. Before contractions, lymphatic [K+], [Na+], [Ca2+], [Mg2+], [Lac-], [Cr], and OSM did not significantly differ from corresponding femoral venous concentrations, [Cl-], and [Pi] were significantly higher, [protein] significantly lower in the lymph than in the plasma. During contractions lymphatic [K+], OSM, [Lac-], and [Pi] were raised significantly more in the lymph compared with the plasma concentrations. [Na+], [Cl-], [Ca2+], and [Mg2+] showed only small changes in the course of contractions and thereafter, and they were altered in a similar way in the lymph and plasma. It was suggested that lymphatic and interstitial concentrations were in equilibrium. Comparing inactive with active muscles, the latter lost K+ but gained Na+, Cl-, and H2O, whereas minimal changes occurred in the [Ca2+] and [Mg2+]. The changes were discussed in connection with the hypothesis that electrolyte shifts might be involved in the activation of the muscular non-proprioceptive interstitial nerve endings which appear to play a role in reflexogenic cardiovascular and respiratory control.