Summary
The interstitium between smooth muscle cells in the media of the abdominal aorta of the chicken contains basement membranes, glycosaminoglycan, stout elastic fibers, extensive bundles of collagenous fibers, and a unique striated structure. In cross section, this striated, hexagonal structure resembles a honeycomb, each hexagon consisting of 6 isosceles triangles. Microtubule-like structures are present at each corner and center of a hexagon, and 3 delicate filaments are located equidistantly between putative microtubules. The periodicity evident in longitudinal section is the result of a constant repetition of microtubule-like elements. From staining with phosphotungstic acid it appears that the striated connective tissue structures are proteinacous and might serve as a reinforcing structure where smooth muscle cells are separated by dilated extracellular spaces.
References
Moss NS, Benditt EP (1970a) Spontaneous and experimentally induced arterial lesions. I. An ultrastructural survey of the normal chicken aorta. Lab Invest 22:166–183
Moss NS, Benditt EP (1970b) The ultrastructure of spontaneous and experimentally induced arterial lesions. II. The spontaneous plaque in the chicken. Lab Invest 23:231–245
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Simpson, C.F. A unique connective tissue structure in the aortic media of the chicken. Cell Tissue Res. 235, 215–216 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00213744
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00213744