Summary
The fine morphology of, and the light microscopic distribution of ATPase in, pancreatic secretory capillaries suggest that they may be absorptive channels receiving material from the general blood circulation rather than secretory channels communicating with the duct system. This assumption is based upon many observations; 1. The pattern of microvilli of their wall differs from that of acinar lumen. 2. The material retained by them in ultrathin sections differs from that retained by acinar lumen. 3. They ramify, basally, to the level of Golgi region. 4. The lack of release of zymogen droplets in them. 5. Their points of origin from acinar lumen are controlled by zonulae occludentes. 6. Gulf-like extensions from the basal surface of acinar cell communicate with them. 7. Fenestrated blood capillaries run in their vicinity. 8. Blood capillaries and acinar cells share a joint basement lamina. 9. Light microscopically, ATPase activity is associated with their wall and not with the basal acinar cell surface.
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Publication No. 932 of the Division of Basic Health Sciences of Emory University; which was supported by the McCandless Research Funds and the School of Dentistry Fellowship Funds, of Emory University. The technical assistance of Miss Brenda Callahan, Mr. Peter Daly and Mr. Hugo Greiner is acknowledged. The use of the facilities of Dr. Wallace G. Campbell Jr. is appreciated.
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Baradi, A.F., Brandis, D.J. Observations on the morphology of pancreatic secretory capillaries. Z.Zellforsch. 101, 568–580 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335269
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335269