title: Sterile inflammation after lymph node transfer improves lymphatic function and regeneration.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to determine whether sterile inflammatory reactions can serve as a physiologic means of augmenting lymphangiogenesis in transplanted lymph nodes using a murine model.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors used their previously reported model of lymph node transfer to study the effect of sterile inflammation on lymphatic regeneration. Mice were divided into three groups: group 1 (controls) underwent lymphadenectomy followed by immediate lymph node transplantation without inflammation; group 2 (inflammation before transfer) underwent transplantation with lymph nodes harvested from donor animals in which a sterile inflammatory reaction was induced in the ipsilateral donor limb; and group 3 (inflammation after transfer) underwent transplantation with lymph nodes and then inflammation was induced in the ipsilateral limb. Lymphatic function, lymphangiogenesis, and lymph node histology were examined 28 days after transplantation and compared with those of normal lymph nodes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Animals that had sterile inflammation after transplantation (group 3) had significantly improved lymphatic function (>2-fold increase) on lympho scintigraphy, increased perinodal lymphangiogenesis, and functional lymphatics compared with the groups with no inflammation and inflammation before transplantation (p<0.01). Inflammation after transplantation was associated with a more normal lymph node architecture, expansion of B-cell zones, and decreased percentage of T cells compared with the other experimental groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sterile inflammation is a potent method of augmenting lymphatic function and lymphangiogenesis after lymph node transplantation and is associated with maintenance of lymph node architecture. Induction of inflammation after transplantation is the most effective method and promotes maintenance of normal lymph node B- and T-cell architecture.
authors.affiliation: New York, N.Y. From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
authors.forename: Walter J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Seth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aschen
authors.forename: Swapna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ghanta
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cuzzone
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Albano
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gardenier
authors.forename: Ira
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Savetsky
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Torrisi
authors.forename: Babak J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Mehrara
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D012038:Regeneration / Q000276:immunology