Summary
Epithelial-vascular relationships are established during the development of the vomeronasal neuroepithelium of the rat. Special attention is given to the fine structure of the endothelial wall of intra-epithelial vessels, to ultrastructural aspects of the neuronal-vascular relationships, and to the appearance of inclusion bodies in the neuronal cells adjacent to these vessels. The neuronal perikarya surrounding the blood vessels are filled with highly developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Possible functional implications of the vascularization of the neuroepithelium of the vomeronasal organ in mediating olfacto-endocrine relationships are discussed. It is suggested that the intra-epithelial blood vessels are at least supportive and nutritive in nature, while their implication in an olfacto-endocrine connection remains obscure.
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On sabattical leave: Visiting Professor, Department of Anatomy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky., USA
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Breipohl, W., Bhatnagar, K.P., Blank, M. et al. Intraepithelial blood vessels in the vomeronasal neuroepithelium of the rat. Cell Tissue Res. 215, 465–473 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00233523
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00233523