Experimental investigation with 198Au colloid as to lymph communications between the retrobulbar space and the thyroid gland
Schicha, H.; Grüntzig, J.; Becker, V.
Nuklearmedizin. Nuclear Medicine 18(3): 133-136
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-5566 PMID: 503870 Document Number: 141720
The problem of a direct connection of lymph drainage between the retrobulbar space and the thyroid gland was examined using the lymphotropic radioactive tracer 198Au colloid. Twelve rabbits were examined. Six animals were injected with 50 muCi 198Au colloid into the right thyroid lobe and six animals into the right retrobulbar space. Distribution and total body radioactivity was measured in vivo using a scintillation camera with a computer. After 6 hrs tissue specimens of different organs were measured in a well-counter. The discharge of activity from the thyroid after 6 hrs was significantly higher than that from the retrobulbar space (63% versus 33.5%). This was probably due to a higher vascularisation and to a higher degree of lymph drainage of the thyroid. The lymph drainage of the thyroid gland as well as of the retrobulbar space occurred mainly via the lymphonodi cerv. proff. No significant activity was found in the retrobulbar space after thyroid injection or in the thyroid after retrobulbar injection. It may be concluded from these results that there are no direct lymph connections between the retrobulbar space and the thyroid gland. However, indirect communications via the deep cervical lymph nodes cannot be excluded in the event of reverse lymph flow.