Some observations on the ultrastructure of developing rat cerebral capillaries

Summary

Developing blood vessels in rat cerebral cortex were studied at a number of stages between 3 and 28 days postnatal, in an attempt to obtain data on the mechanisms by which the lumen is established within cords of mesodermal cells. A combination of techniques was utilized in an attempt to elucidate these mechanisms. These were: (a) aldehyde fixation and block staining with phosphotungstic acid; (b) aldehyde perfusion followed by perfusion of a lead solution and post-fixation in osmium tetroxide; (c) conventional preparation of tissue with aldehyde and osmium fixation.

Support for interendothelial lumen formation was readily forthcoming, including vessels with junctions between two or more endothelial cells cut transversely. There was some support for intraendothelial lumen formation, in the form of “seamless” endothelial cells. Other features noted included the presence of free ribosomes and vacuoles in the endothelial cells, endothelial flaps, sprouts and tendrils, intraluminal debris, endothelial degeneration and a junction with a nonendothelial cell.

Large numbers of endothelial vacuoles were noted, many of them occurring at the abluminal edge of the cells. These vacuoles may be involved in the formation of intraendothelial lumina and also in the enlargement of both types of lumina. This study provides evidence that besides the well-established inter-endothelial lumen formation, intraendothelial mechanisms may also be operative in rat cerebral cortex. The techniques employed in this study offer the potential for clarifying these and related issues.