The distribution and architecture of lymphatic vessels in the rat stomach as revealed by an enzyme-histochemical method

Lymphatic Vessel Network Structure and Physiology

The lymphatic system is comprised of a network of vessels interrelated with lymphoid tissue, which has the holistic function to maintain the local physiologic environment for every cell in all tissues of the body. The lymphatic system maintains extracellular fluid homeostasis favorable for optimal tissue function, removing substances that arise due to metabolism or cell death, and optimizing immunity against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other antigens. This article provides a comprehensive review of important findings over the past century along with recent advances in the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of lymphatic vessels, including tissue/organ specificity, development, mechanisms of lymph formation and transport, lymphangiogenesis, and the roles of lymphatics in disease. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:207-299, 2019.

Cytoarchitecture of the lamina muscularis mucosae and distribution of the lymphatic vessels in the human stomach

The aim of the present study was to clarify the anatomical structure of the lamina muscularis mucosae (LMM) in the human stomach and to correlate it with the lymphatic spread of gastric cancer cells. Human stomachs taken at operation or autopsy were used. The specimens derived from these stomachs were examined by light microscopy immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the cardia and pyloric wall, bundles of smooth muscle cells of the LMM were relatively loose and thin and formed a reticular configuration. Small lymphatic capillaries (approximately 10-30 μm in diameter) were present directly above the LMM, and relatively large lymphatics (approximately 80-100 μm in diameter) were observed in the submucosal layer and within the LMM. In contrast, the LMM in the fundus, body, and antral wall was composed of tight, thick bundles of smooth muscle cells that ran straight. Large lymphatics were found directly beneath the LMM, but they were few in the lamina propria mucosae. In addition, lymphatics adjacent to veins were also found in the submucosa of the fundus. Structural differences in the LMM of the stomach wall might depend on physiological function. In this study, the relationship between the cytoarchitecture of the LMM or the distribution of lymphatic vessels and cancer invasion is discussed.

Intrinsic interrelation of lymphatic endothelia with nerve elements in the monkey urinary bladder

Histochemical staining techniques for 5'-nucleotidase (5'-Nase) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were undertaken to localize the lymphatic network and nerve plexus in the monkey urinary bladder. Abundant 5'-Nase-positive lymphatic networks were characterized by increased number of valve-like structures and decreased calibre of blind-ends from the subepithelium to the subserosa. AChE-positive nerve fibers were visible throughout the vesical walls as fine plexuses, the densest being the neuromuscular plexus among the detrusor muscle cells or in each muscle bundle. AChE-positive nerve fibers or terminals were more frequently discernible around blood vessels than around lymphatics, and showed more intimate association with the lymphatics in the muscularis than those in the subepithelium. The nerve terminals in the subepithelium were frequently separated from attenuated lymphatic endothelium by the long processes of fibroblasts or some connective tissue cells. An ultrastructural observation revealed that unmyelinated nerve fibers with numerous neurofilaments and neurotubules run in close apposition to the lymphatic endothelium. Noteworthily, fewer terminal varicosities containing numerous small agranular vesicles (30-50 nm) and mitochondria, partially or completely bare of their Schwann cell covering in the vicinity of the lymphatic endothelium, were found in the subendothelium of initial lymphatics than in collecting ones. These terminals were occasionally identified at a distance of 120-350 nm from the subendothelial aspect of valve-originating roots, although no direct innervation of the vascular muscle cells could be found. A loose fibro-elastic connective tissue was usually interlaced between glial cell covering and lymphatic endothelium. The intrinsic interrelation of the lymphatic wall with the nerve plexus implies that the twisted subendothelial nerve terminals might be involved in intramural lymph drainage of the bladder.

Enzyme-histochemical study on postnatal development of rat stomach lymphatic vessels

Postnatal development of rat gastric lymphatics was studied by an enzyme-histochemical method to elucidate the morphological changes of lymphatics and their relationship to maturation and function, especially in the glandular portion. The significant features of 5'-Nase-positive lymphatics in distribution and structure were examined in different stages (within 24 hr, 4-21 days, and 2 months). Lymphatics in the greater curvature and anterior wall grew much slower than those in the lesser curvature and posterior wall of the stomach in newborn and infant rats. Lymphatic islands isolated from the primary lymphatic networks in the submucosa and subserosa underwent a morphological change during this early period. This is considered one of the basic steps in lymphatic development. Occurrence of lymphatic networks in the deep lamina propria indicates that development in the gastric wall is well characterized from Day 10. With further growth and modification of lymphatics, the networks in the different layers formed an extensive communication network and many lymphatic valves were found in the submucosa and subserosa. Pinocytotic vesicles, open junctions, and intraendothelial channels were frequently detected in the mucosal and submucosal lymphatic networks of the corpus-antrum and antrum-duodenum divisional zones in the adult rats. These findings suggest that developing lymphatics in the rat stomach may represent rapidly growing tissue not only with high 5'-Nase activity but also with high adaptability for future physiological demands.

Demonstration of the intralobular lymphatics in the guinea pig pancreas by an enzyme-histochemical method

Intralobular lymphatics in the guinea pig pancreas were demonstrated enzyme-histochemically showing the extent, distribution and fine structure by combined light and transmission electron microscopy. 5'-nucleotidase(5'-Nase)-positive lymphatic vessels were present throughout the pancreas. Intralobular lymphatics among the acini were comparatively rare and generally independent of the blood capillaries, pancreatic ducts and acini. These lymphatics revealed the usual structural features, such as typical intercellular junctions and very tenuous vascular walls without continuous basal laminae. Fine precipitates of the cerium-based reaction product for 5'-Nase activity were found to be associated with cell membranes of the lymphatic endothelium and pinocytotic vesicles. Lymphatics were not closely related to the endocrine islets, although alkaline phosphatase(ALPase)-positive blood capillaries were well developed. Collecting lymphatic vessels with valves with weaker 5'-Nase activity were also detected in the interlobular connective tissue. ALPase activity, absent in the lymphatics, was positive in the blood capillaries, suggesting that it is also a useful way demonstrating, histochemically, the blood capillaries in the guinea pig pancreas.