Effects of Massage on Lymphangiogenesis and Inflammation

Section 4. Abstract Biological processes that have been proposed to account for the beneficial effects of massage include an increase in the number of functioning lymphatics (lymphangiogenesis) and an attenuation of the inflammatory process. Thus, the hypothesis of this proposal is that alterations in lymphangiogenesis and inflammation are mechanisms contributing to the beneficial effects of massage. We will use a novel cyclic compressive loading device (CCLD) to simulate massage, allowing for the application of valid and reliable forces at various magnitudes, duration, and frequencies. The hypothesis will be tested u~ing two specific aims to measure the effects of cyclic compressive loads of various duration and magnitude on lymphangiogenesis (specific aim 1) and inflammation (specific aim 2) in the rat hindlimb using our CCLD to mimic massage. Lymphangiogenesis will be assessed by measuring specific markers of lymph vessels (LYVE-1, Prox-1, VEGFR3, VEGF-A and -C) at the proteih as well as RNA level. Inflammatory responses will be estimated by monitoring cellular infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a and lL-1f3) in muscle and overlying dermis. Results from this study will determine the pressure and duration dependency of tissue responses to cyclic compressive loading with regard to lymphangiogenesis and inflammation.