Biomedical subjects

A Lametschwandtner

Publications and source records attributed to A Lametschwandtner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Microvascular corrosion casting in the study of tumor vascularity: a review.

Tumor blood flow is dependent on the structure and three-dimensional (3-D) architecture of the vascular network. The latter can be best studied by scanning electron microscopy of microvascular corrosion casts. However, literature reviews show that nearly all studies using this technique render comparisons of different tumors more difficult since they are mainly based on descriptive terms that might lead to misunderstandings. Qualitative comparisons of 13 experimental and 3 human primary tumors of different origin show a high degree of similarity in the vasculature. Quantitative analysis of these casts reveals similar ranges of parameters such as diameters, intervascular and interbranching distances. Diameters of vessels with capillary wall structure range from 6 micron m to 55 micron m in the human primary tumors (renal clear cell carcinoma, basalioma), and from 5 micron m to 80 micron m in xenografted tumors (sarcomas, colon carcinoma). Intervascular distances in the human primary tumors range from 2 micron m to 52 micron m, and from 11 micron m to 105 micron m in the xenografts. Interbranching distances range from 34 micron m to 258 micron m in the former, and from 11 micron m to 160 micron m in the latter. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of tumor microvascular corrosion casts enable pathophysiological conclusions to be drawn and contribute to a better understanding of tumor vascularity.

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PubMed1994

Microangioarchitecture of the guinea pig common bile duct and duodenal papilla: a scanning electron and light microscopic study.

BACKGROUND: The microvascular pattern of the duodenal papilla is unknown. Since the duodenal papilla is located in the transition zone between the stomach and duodenum, and because it regulates bile transfer into the duodenum, a particular microangioarchitecture can be expected. Therefore, we examined the microvasculature of the papilla using guinea pigs as a model. METHODS: The microvascularization of the duodenal papilla and common bile duct was studied in 26 adult guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), using scanning electron microscopy of microvascular corrosion casts and critical point dried specimens, and light microscopy of tissue sections. RESULTS: The duodenal papilla is located in the cranial portion of the duodenum, approximately 5 mm beyond the pyloric valve. At the most luminal aspect of the cast papilla, ring-shaped capillaries, resembling those of the cast gastric mucosa, are present. Deeper parts of the papilla are provided with villi. Subepithelial capillaries of the papilla are 15 microns thick in average. These capillaries have a dual blood supply either via the straight long arterioles arising from the submucosa or by the pericryptal capillaries. The common bile duct comprises numerous mucoid glands with their pits surrounded by ring-shaped capillaries in corresponding casts. CONCLUSIONS: The special arrangement of different capillary patterns, together with their luminal size and the dual blood supply, favor their protective role from the gastric chyme.

Ampulla of Vater↗

PubMed1994

The vascularization of the pituitary gland of the chicken (Gallus domesticus). A scanning electron microscope study of vascular corrosion casts.

Microvascular corrosion casts of the pituitary gland of one to nine-day-old chickens (Gallus domesticus, white leghorn hybrids) were analysed with the scanning electron microscope. Results show that the chicken median eminence is supplied by branches of the infundibular and the neural-lobe arteries. They form a flat two-dimensional primary capillary plexus, which lacks any capillary loops and is continuous with the plexus in the neural lobe. The capillaries occupy about 60% of the total area of the median eminence. A subependymal plexus is present, showing no contact with the plexus of the median eminence. The chicken neural lobe consists of many hollow buds. These buds are supplied by branches of the neural-lobe artery, which gives rise to a two-dimensional capillary meshwork similar to that of the median eminence. An anterior group of portal vessels, comprising 14-16 vessels with a mean diameter of 37 microns, and a posterior group of portal vessels, comprising 2-4 shorter and slightly thinner vessels, arise from the median eminence are the sole blood supply for the adenohypophysis (distal lobe). Anterior portal vessels supply the cephalic lobe and the most rostral area of the caudal lobe, and posterior portal vessels supply the caudal lobe of the distal lobe. There are no short portal vessels connecting the neural lobe with the distal lobe. The (sinusoidal) capillary bed of the distal lobe is laminated. The chicken hypophysis drains into the cavernous sinus, which empties into the cerebral carotid veins. Within the period studied (days 1-9 after hatching) no age-related changes were found.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Microvascular corrosion casting of the rat mandibular joint: a technical approach.

The rat mandibular joint is a ginglymoarthrodial joint deeply hidden under the zygomatic process of the squamosal bone. This joint was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of microvascular corrosion casts in 47 adult rats. Six additional rats were injected with India ink and thick sections of the joint area were examined by light microscopy. The small size of the joint (2.5 mm x 1.5 mm in occlusion), the existence of two slit-like joint compartments, the close proximity of bones and soft tissues in a mobile structure, and the intimate relationships of the joint with adjacent skeletal muscles made the vascular mapping difficult. Five different technical procedures (protocols) were tested. The most satisfactory approach is, briefly, as follows: each rat was injected simultaneously via both common carotid arteries with 9.5 ml of casting medium (Mercox-CL-2B diluted 4:1 with monomeric methyl methacrylate), and with an additional volume of 0.5 ml of the same medium after ligation of the external jugular veins used for outflow. After polymerization of the injected resin, the rats were frozen, and the heads were severed and spliced sagittally into two halves. These specimens were cut in the transversal (coronal) and sagittal planes into small blocks. Each block was then cut systematically either in the transversal or parasagittal plane running through the joint. Afterwards thick slices were macerated in warm (45 degrees C) 15% KOH, rinsed, (some were decalcified in 2% HCl), rinsed again in tap water, frozen in distilled water, freeze-dried, mounted, dissected, coated and examined under the SEM at 5 kV.

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PubMed1994

Diluted and undiluted Mercox severely destroy unfixed endothelial cells. A light and electron microscopic study using cultured endothelial cells and tadpole tail fin vessels.

Mercox is a methylmethacrylate-based resin which is widely used for vascular corrosion casting with subsequent scanning electron microscopic analysis. In the present study the effect of undiluted and diluted Mercox (4 + 1; volume + volume; Mercox: monomeric methyl-methacrylate (MMA); 0.02 g catalyst MA/ml Mercox) and methyl-methacrylate with and without catalyst MA (0.625 g/10 ml MMA) on fixed and unfixed endothelial cells was studied. Light microscopy (LM) of cultured capillary endothelial cells (ECs), which were replicated with diluted or undiluted Mercox shows degranulation and membrane perturbation of ECs, while no morphological changes occur in glutaraldehyde-prefixed ECs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of replicas (= resin blocks) polymerized on prefixed ECs reveals unchanged ECs and replicas show many details. Unfixed ECs are destroyed and replicas reveal aberrant features. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of prefixed and unfixed ECs (cultured endothelial cells, endothelial cells of perfusion prefixed and of unfixed tadpole tail fin vessels) substantiates LM and SEM findings. Prefixed ECs resist Mercox without fine structural changes, while unfixed cells undergo destruction. It is recommended to fix vessels prior to casting. Extravasations in micro-vessels are considered to be caused by focal chemical destruction of endothelial cells.

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PubMed1993

Neovascularization and the appearance of morphological characteristics of the blood-brain barrier in the embryonic mouse central nervous system.

Vascularization and expression of blood-brain barrier (bbb)-associated morphological characteristics during the embryonic development of the mouse central nervous system (CNS) was studied by ultrastructural analysis. At embryonic day 9 (E9) capillaries were only found in the perineural mesenchymal tissue. These capillaries showed fenestrations, and pericyte like cells (PC) were found joined to the vessel walls. Around E10 endothelial cells (EC) together with PC started invading the intraneural section. At this stage, the immigrating endothelial cells lost their fenestrations and exhibited numerous, partly extended junctional complexes, which appeared 'tight' in some places. A first intraneural anastomotic plexus was observed at E10, as evidenced by the presence of blood cells in all capillary lumens. While the number of junctional complexes remained constant in intraneural capillaries, the frequency of pinocytotic vesicles decreased significantly from E10 to E17. These findings indicate that from the first day of intraneural vascularization onwards, the morphological properties of the bbb are present in the early embryonic mouse cerebral cortex.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Circulatory pattern and structure in the tail and tail fins of Xenopus laevis tadpoles.

This investigation was initiated with the intent of study capillary sprouting in the tadpole tail fin microcirculation of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, using a combination of intravital video recordings and electron microscopy. The tadpoles were observed daily for periods up to one hour during one to two weeks. The capillary sprouts originated mostly from postcapillary venules, and within 24-48 h merged with other capillary sprouts, subsequently establishing a capillary loop with blood flow. As the circulatory patterns developed further, capillary regressions also occurred. As the electron microscope analyses of the capillary sprouts progressed, it became obvious that a thorough electron microscope study of the blood vessels of the tadpoles was required in order to explore structural characteristics of arterial and venous blood vessels. Thus, this article deals primarily with the general organization of the tadpole tail circulation, and the ultrastructural characteristics of the vascular walls. A subsequent article will deal with the role of endothelial cells, fibroblasts and pericytes in the process of capillary sprouting and regression, based on intravital recordings and electron microscope analyses.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of venous sphincters in the rat lung.

The rat pulmonary microvasculature was studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts and tissue sections. Special emphasis was placed on small pulmonary venous vessels. The shape of vascular casts was analyzed and interpreted concerning the wall composition of corresponding vessels studied in tissue sections. On the casts of pulmonary venules and small pulmonary veins, narrow or wider annular constrictions were regularly observed. Within these constrictions, marks of circularly running grooves were seen as an additional structural detail, which obviously mimic impressions of single or grouped smooth muscle cells. The depth of the constrictions varies; it may be more or less pronounced, occasionally narrowing down the luminal diameter to approximately 50%. These constrictions are caused by muscular sphincters. In tissue sections of small pulmonary veins, sphincter regions were identified as abruptly appearing single or grouped true smooth muscle cells. Smooth muscle cells may be arranged side by side in a group or bundle or even staked in two or three layers. Between the sphincter regions, the venous wall consists merely of endothelium and an accompanying connective tissue layer. The smooth muscle cells of a sphincter are regularly positioned between endothelial layer and elastic lamina. The smooth muscle cells next to the endothelium form myoendothelial junctions. Autonomic nerves near the sphincters were never seen. The venous sphincters described are suggested to be effective devices involved in blood flow regulation. Blood-borne substances or local tissue hormones might govern sphincter function.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Glomerular development and growth of the renal blood vascular system in Xenopus laevis (Amphibia: Anura: Pipidae) during metamorphic climax.

Microcorrosion casts of the renal vascular system of tadpoles of the Clawed Frog, Xenopus laevis, were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Glomerular differentiation was studied qualitatively and quantitatively during developmental stages 56-66 (metamorphic climax). The general structure of the renal vascular system corresponds to the pattern commonly found in anurans; however, the arterial supply has conspicuous connecting vessels that supply groups of glomeruli. In the dorsal part of the kidney, qualitative differentiation of glomerular structures precedes quantitative growth. The ventral part of the kidney has larger, well-developed renal corpuscles of nearly adult appearance. Four developmental stages of glomerulogenesis are distinguished morphologically and their glomerular and vascular growth is analyzed.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Scanning electron microscopy of esophageal microvasculature in human infants and rabbits.

The microvasculature of the esophagus was studied by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts in human infants and rabbits. In both species, segmental circumferential arteries arise from main longitudinal arteries, the latter giving off numerous perforating arteries. The tunica muscularis is supplied by branches of circumferential and perforating arteries, the submucosa and its glands by branches of perforatings. Terminal arborizations of perforating arteries feed a subepithelial capillary network. These capillaries are drained by a venous plexus in the lamina propria which is connected to a submucosal venous plexus. Perforating veins, running parallel to the corresponding arteries, connect the submucosal plexus with circumferential veins, and finally empty into main longitudinal veins. Valves were not present in any of the veins. Submucosal veins were less numerous in man than in rabbit. The number and caliber of equivalent vessels in human submucosal plexus decreased from the pharyngoesophageal to the gastroesophageal junction, suggesting the latter to be at particular risk in portal hypertension. The subepithelial capillary network reveals a longitudinal arrangement in rabbits, while the same network shows no preferential organization in human infants. The microvascular architecture of the esophagus in humans and rabbits is comparable, especially in the lay-out of the venous plexuses and the absence of venous valves. Therefore the rabbit could serve as an experimental model for studies on portal hypertension. The present results strongly suggest particular significance of the venous plexus in the lamina propria for the genesis of esophageal varices.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Microangioarchitecture of the guinea pig gallbladder and bile duct as studied by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts.

The microvasculature of the gallbladder, the common bile duct, and the duodenal papilla was investigated in 20 albino guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) using microvascular corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Main supplying and draining vessels (first-order vessels) approach the gallbladder along the cystic duct. From the latter, penetrating vessels (second-order vessels) arise which pierce the muscular coat of the gallbladder body to form the plexus of third-order vessels between the muscle coat and the mucosa. Third-order vessels finally branch to supply the subepithelial capillaries, which show a honeycomb arrangement, corresponding to the gallbladder pits. At the areas bordering mucosal pits and beneath the tunicae plicae mucosae, the capillaries form glomera. These structures make the mucosal vasculature suitable for adapting to gallbladder wall distension caused by volume changes. The mucosal capillary glomera may also be involved in absorption of substances from bile, or they could act as buffer zones, counteracting the pressure which develops as the gallbladder volume increases. Venous sphincters occurring at the junction of mucosal vessels with the subjacent third-order veins may regulate blood flow in the mucosal glomera. The neck region as well as bile ducts consist of 2 vascular layers: an inner capillary layer and an outer one containing arterioles and venules. The duodenal papilla has a hemispheric shape and is interposed in the transition zone between the stomach and the duodenum. On the most luminal aspect, the capillaries of the papilla have a ring-shaped arrangement, as do the capillaries of the stomach, surrounding the mucosal glands; the remainder of the papilla is covered by duodenal villi capillaries.

Ampulla of Vater↗

PubMed1991

The vascularization of the digestive tract studied by scanning electron microscopy with special emphasis on the teeth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, pancreas, and liver.

The periodontal vessels in adult rats show a ladderlike pattern; in guinea pigs molars, by contrast, they present a honey-comb pattern. The vascular architecture in human teeth seems to be similar to that of rabbits. In guinea pigs, rats, rabbits and humans esophagus circumferential vessels give off perforating vessels. In human esophagus the number and diameter of the vessels in the submucous venous plexus decrease from proximal to distal. In the stomach the subepithelial capillary network shows a honey-comb pattern reflecting the arrangement of the gastric pits. A local portal system between the gastric glands and the surface mucosal cells for the transport of HCO3- ions has been suggested. In the small intestine of humans and rabbits the existence of a dual blood supply of the villus has meanwhile been established. It consists of pericryptal capillaries for the lower portion of the villus (tuft pattern) and a direct arterial supply up to the villus tip (fountain pattern). The colonic microvasculature closely resembles that of the stomach. In the pancreas the insulo-acinar portal system is physiologically significant in that it connects the venules draining the islets with the acini. Venous sphincters in the vascular system of the exocrine pancreas of the rat are of particular functional importance. The hepatic sinusoids are supplied both by the hepatic artery and the branches of the portal vein. The peribiliary plexus is supplied by the afferent vessels of the hepatic artery, the efferent vessels drain the plexus either into the sinusoids or into the lobular vein.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Sphincters in the rat pulmonary veins. Comparison of scanning electron and transmission electron microscopic studies.

The microvasculature of the rat lung was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of vascular corrosion casts and tissue sections. Particular emphasis was placed on postcapillary venules, pulmonary venules and small pulmonary veins (small interlobular veins). Casts of lung capillaries appeared inconspicuous with smooth surface. On the casts of pulmonary venules and small pulmonary veins, by contrast, series of narrow annular constrictions, present at regular distances of 20-25 microns, were seen. These constrictions may be drastic, narrowing down the caliber of the vessel up to 50%. In the constrictions the marks of circularly running tubular structures were seen and were interpreted as being caused by circular bands of smooth muscle cells. Tissue sections of the corresponding vascular wall showed the presence of single or grouped smooth muscle cells which regularly formed myoendothelial junctions. These smooth muscle cells are interpreted as sphincters, responsible for the constrictions seen on cast preparations. Axon terminals were not found in spatial relationship to these sphincters. It is suggested that the described venous sphincters are governed by blood-borne and/or endothelium-derived substances and may significantly influence the blood flow.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Microvascularization of the pleura in rats and guinea pigs.

The microvascularization of the visceral and parietal pleura was studied in rats and guinea pigs using vascular corrosion casts and scanning electron microscopy. The visceral pleura was shown to be devoid of a vascular bed of its own. The capillary meshwork observed on the surface of the lung belongs to the pulmonary parenchyma. The parietal pleura, by contrast, possesses its own capillary network with an appropriate arterial supply and a venous drainage. The parietal pleural capillaries cover the costal regions completely, whereas the intercostal spaces are only provided by interspersed small patches of capillaries. That the feeding arteries of the parietal pleura are connected to the systemic circulatory system, supports the well-known fact that the parietal pleura is the main site for production of pleural fluid.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

Influence of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril) on kidney epithelial cells in vitro: studies on potassium (86Rb) influx and cellular proliferation.

The effects of captopril on potassium influx and cellular proliferation in a dog kidney epithelial cell line (Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, MDCK) were studied. Na+K(+)-ATPase activity and the loop diuretic sensitive Na/K/2Cl- cotransport were measured using 86Rb as tracer substance. Cells were incubated with various concentrations of captopril (1-10 mmol/l). The furosemide sensitive Na/K/2Cl- cotransport was significantly decreased from 1 mmol/l onwards. Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity was lowered only when high amounts (10 mmol/l) of the drug were used. Cell proliferation was measured via [3H]thymidine incorporation. After incubation with 1 mmol/l captopril proliferation was strongly decreased (greater than 50%). Higher amounts (5-10 mmol/l) did not further suppress cell proliferation. The data suggest that natriuresis following ACE inhibition in vivo does not involve a direct effect of captopril on Na+K(+)-ATPase. However, the effect on cell proliferation may be of clinical relevance in respect to a possible mitogenic effect of angiotensin II.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

[Angioarchitecture of keloids. A scanning electron microscopy study of a corrosion specimen].

Three keloids harvested during surgery were prepared for histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts. One well-filled keloid (12 cm x 7 cm) was examined by SEM. This specimen revealed a conspicuous increase in subepidermal venous vessels as well as prominent luminal bulging of the endothelial lining in arterial and venous vessels, shown by prominent surface imprint patterns on cast vessels. There were no tapered or compressed vessels. Blind ending vessels identified by cast morphology as vascular sprouts indicated keloid angiogenesis. The increase in (venous) vessels correlated very closely with the hyperaemic state of the keloid.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts--technique and applications: updated review.

The present paper states very briefly the main steps leading to the technique of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts. From the terms presently used (injection method, microcorrosion cast, injection replica, vascular corrosion cast, vascular cast) the use of "vascular corrosion cast" for lymphatic and blood vessels is recommended. Specification and pretreatment (kind, volume, dosage of anticoagulants, vasoactive substances and spasmolytica used) of the animals examined are referenced as they are available from the literature. The recommendation is given to pay more attention to these parameters than done so far. The steps necessary for producing reasonable and suitable vascular corrosion casts are critically described. Special attention is paid to the physical and chemical properties of the casting media and their significance for polymerization, shrinkage, casting quality, corrosion resistance, and thermal and spatial stability. Emphasis is also focused on the advantages of cutting the vascular corrosion casts embedded in an ice block by a band saw, a self constructed multi-blade cutting device or a mini wheel-saw placed in the chamber of a cryomicrotome. From the drying methods presently used freeze-drying is stressed because of minimal specimen damage. To render casts conductive in most cases sputter-coating is sufficient. It is recommended to run the SEM with 5-10 kV since the resolution received still reveals all details the casting media presently can replicate. Further the application of scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts in fully differentiated normal tissue, in pathologic tissue as well as in developing tissues and organs is stated. Lastly possibilities and conditions are discussed under which SEM of vascular corrosion casts can serve to quantify vascular structures in order to make the technique more than pure descriptive.

Animals↗

PubMed1990

The microvasculature of the guinea pig ureter. A scanning electron microscopic investigation.

In 24 albinotic guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) the gross vasculature and the microvascular architecture of the ureter were studied by light microscopy of tissue blocks and by scanning electron microscopy of vascular casts. The guinea pig ureter is supplied by the renal artery proximally, by the aorta and the internal iliac artery in its mid-segment, and by the uterine and prostatic as well as by the vesical arteries distally. The main arterial trunks run alongside the ureter before they branch to send perforating arterioles to the muscular coat and the mucosal lining. The draining venules are found on both sides of the ureter and form transverse anastomoses. Communications between the arterioles are also located on both sides, but longitudinally arranged. The capillary network of the mucosal lining shows an undulating pattern with tortuous vessels and lies just below the epithelium. The muscular coat and the adventitia have no prominent capillaries of their own. Large arteries are embedded in the adventitia, large veins in the lamina propria. In analogy to human anatomy the vascular arrangement found suggests that, if the ureters are excised in transplant surgery, a lateral incision should be used for the abdominal portion, while the pelvic portion is best approached by a medial incision.

Animals↗