Variations of Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Junctions in Experimental Conditions

Abstract

In the lymphatic endothelium there are different kinds of contact areas of adjacent endothelial cells, and some of these appear to function as valves through which interstitial fluid can enter the initial lymphatics. We have presented a model describing interdigitation of the borders of lymphatic endothelial cells and thus explaining various kinds of contact areas seen in electron microscopial sections. This model (Fig. 1) shows that the walls of the initial lymphatics have areas potentially capable of functioning as inlet valves and indirect proof of such a function has been presented in many earlier experiments.