Abstract
Recently, we identified the primo-vascular system (PVS), a novel vascular network, in rat subcutaneous tissues. Little is known about the subcutaneous PVS (sc-PVS). Here, we examined the ultrastructure of the sc-PVS in the hypodermis at the rat abdominal midline by electron microscopy. On the surface of sc-PVS, we observed three types of cells: microcells (5–6 μm), large elliptical cells (>20 μm), and erythrocyte (3–4 μm). The inside of the sc-PVS was filled with numerous cells, which can be classified into three major groups: leucocytes, mast cells, and erythrocytes. The dense leucocytes and mast cells were easily noticed. The extracellular matrix of the sc-PVS was mainly composed of extensive fibers (79 ± 6.5 nm) tightly covered by micro- (0.5–1 μm) and nanoparticles (10–100 nm). In conclusion, the ultrastructural features, such as the resident cells on and in the sc-PVS and fiber meshwork covered by particles, indicate that sc-PVS might act as a circulatory channel for the flow and delivery of numerous cells and particles. Our findings will help understand the nature of various sc-PVS beneath-the-skin layers and how they relate to acupuncture meridians.
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Acknowledgments
This study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2015-061732).
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Lim, C.J., Lee, S.Y., Ryu, P.D. (2016). Ultrastructure of the Subcutaneous Primo-Vascular System in Rat Abdomen. In: Luo, Q., Li, L., Harrison, D., Shi, H., Bruley, D. (eds) Oxygen Transport to Tissue XXXVIII. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 923. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-38810-6_42
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-38810-6_42
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