title: Microvascularization and histomorphology of lateral line organs in adult Xenopus laevis.
abstract: The microvasculariaztion of the lateral line organs (LLOs) of the adult pipid frog, Xenopus laevis was studied by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts (VCCs) and correlative light microscopy of paraplast embedded tissues sections. Scanning electron micrographs of VCCs revealed that each neuromast within the LLO rests on a distinct bowl-like capillary network (vascular bowl). One to three vascular bowls were supplied by an ascending arteriole and drained by a descending venule towards the skin deep dermal vascular network. Blood flow regulation mechanisms in form of intimal cushions were present at the origin of ascending arterioles supplying LLOs, microvenous valves were present at the confluence of deep dermal venules and veins. This together with sprouting and nonsprouting angiogenesis (intussusceptive microvascular growth) found in vascular bowls demonstrate that in adult Xenopus the capillary bed of LLO's still can be adjusted to changing energetic needs.
authors: Division of Animal Structure and Function, Department of Cell Biology, University of Salzburg, Vascular and Exercise Biology Unit, A, -5020, Salzburg Austria, Europe.
authors: Nicolas
authors: N
authors: Gerlach
authors: Bernd
authors: B
authors: Minnich
authors: Alois
authors: A
authors: Lametschwandtner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016319:Corrosion Casting; D053403:Lateral Line System / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology
keywords: histomorphology; lateral line organs; microvascularization; scanning electron microscopy; vascular corrosion casts