A major function of the lymphatic vasculature is maintaining fluid homeostasis by returning interstitial fluid from all of the body’s tissues to the venous system. Lymphatic pumping is achieved by a combination of external compression and intrinsic contractions coupled with one-way valves. Intrinsic contractions arise from specialised muscle lining the vessel walls. Lymphatic vessels must […]

Contraction of lymphatic muscle cells is crucial for propelling lymph through the body.  These cells are a hybrid of cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscle types. Experimental evidence on whole cannulated vessels shows that the acto-myosin complex in these individual cells facilitates phasic contractions which in produce most of the pumping action.  The smooth muscle components […]

Stem cells have shown promise for treatment of multiple diseases. Unfortunately, the techniques used to inject cells apply large forces to the cells that rupture their membranes, killing the cells.  We are developing a combination of suspension media and injection devices that minimise cell death.