Re-endothelialization of microvascular carotid end-to-side anastomosis in the rat.
A carotid end-to-side anastomosis was performed on 25 male and female Wistar rats (mean weight 197.8 gm). The animals were sacrificed at time intervals varying from 0 to 21 days after the operation. The anastomosis was exposed, the aorta cannulated, and the animals perfused with a 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde solution at a constant pressure of 80 mm Hg. The anastomoses were removed for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and light microscopic studies. The SEM results indicate that after the acute platelet-fibrin reaction in the first 48 hours, the suture line itself becomes re-endothelialized after 4 days. On the stitches, however, a cellular population consisting of leukocytes transforming into flattened cells was seen after 2 days. The morphology of these cells and their role in the regeneration of endothelium is discussed. This study presents evidence supporting a blood-borne genesis of endothelial cells in vivo.
D000818:Animals; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004727:Endothelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000502:physiology; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008866:Microsurgery; D009000:Monocytes / Q000502:physiology; D011184:Postoperative Period; D051381:Rats; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing