title: Lectin histochemistry of the endothelium of blood vessels in the mammalian integument, with remarks on the endothelial glycocalyx and blood vessel system nomenclature.
abstract: Based on sensitive light and electron microscopical lectin histochemistry, the distribution of saccharide residues is demonstrated in endothelial cells and/or the walls of integumental blood vessels of domesticated and wild mammals. In addition, the nomenclature of the blood vessel system in the skin is reviewed, and modified according to a generalized mammalian approach. Our comparative attempt demonstrated three (upper, mid-dermal, and dermal) plexus or retia in the integument of mammals of important systematic groups. The findings highlight a specific spectrum of terminal sugars in the endothelial cells and their glycocalyx and/or the blood vessel wall as related to the vessel retia and plexus present. The subepidermal blood vessel system, the capillary loops in particular, was marked by alpha-Man/alpha-Glc, alpha-D-GalNAc, beta-D-Gal/beta-D-GalNAc, and NANA-alpha(2,6)-GalNAc; the mid-dermal system by alpha-Man/alpha-Glc, and alpha-D-Gal/alpha-D-GalNAc; and the deep dermal system by alpha-Man/alpha-Glc, alpha-D-GalNAc, alpha-Gal, and beta-D-Gal/beta-D-GalNAc moieties. The results obtained are discussed from a comparative point of view, also with regard to certain basic functions of the endothelial cells and their glycocalyx.
authors.affiliation: Anatomical Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany. wilfried.meyer@tiho-hannover.de
authors.forename: Wilfried
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Szymon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Godynicki
authors.forename: Azuma
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tsukise
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000166:cytology*; D002196:Capillaries / Q000166:cytology; D002415:Cats; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D019276:Glycocalyx / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D034582:Integumentary System / Q000098:blood supply*; D037102:Lectins / Q000032:analysis*; D008322:Mammals; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D037102:Lectins