Phenotypic and functional transformation in smooth muscle cells derived from a superficial thrombophlebitis-affected vein wall

Ultrastructural changes in the coronary and cerebral arteries in thromboatherosclerosis have been well documented. Similar detailed studies in peripheral vascular disease (PVD) have not been described. Since PVD is frequently complicated by venous thrombosis, a comparative study of the arterial and venous pathology in patients with occlusive peripheral atherosclerosis was done. Anterior tibial artery and accompanying veins from seven cases were studied by light, transmission and scanning microscopy. Endothelial cell morphology was abnormal in all arteries. Cells contained lipid inclusions, prominent lysosomes, and cytoplasmic filaments were disorganized. Cell junctions were altered. Endothelial cells from both the vein wall and valve were morphologically normal. Basement membrane was reduplicated in both arteries and veins. In some arteries, the basement membrane was partially obscured by the atheromatous changes. Elastic lamina in veins, valves and arteries was fragmented. Smooth muscle cells of the arterial intima has significant morphologic alterations. The cells had a disorganized pattern and contained glycogen granules, lipid droplets and lysosomes in association with lipid. The filamentous pattern was disorganized and many cells appeared devoid of a basement membrane. Pinocytic vesicles were clearly evident. Smooth muscle cells comprising vein wall and valve were unremarkable. Collagen in arteries, veins and valves was haphazardly arranged with variation in fibrillar size. In some arteries, fibrous type collagen was found. Irregular, smudged collagen was present in all vessels examined. Calcification was noted in arteries only. These findings show a) a diversity of transmural alterations in arterial wall and b) ultrastructural changes in collagen in venous wall. The former is associated with thrombotic events, the latter not.

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Ultrastructure of Evolving Deep Venous Collaterals

Phlebology The Journal of Venous Disease ◽

10.1177/026835559701200204 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 60-63

Author(s):

R. K. Fredericks ◽

S. Raju ◽

M. Klein

Keyword(s):

Smooth Muscle ◽

Smooth Muscle Cells ◽

Femoral Vein ◽

Muscle Cells ◽

Bilateral Control ◽

Vein Wall ◽

Normal Wall ◽

Venous Collaterals ◽

Subendothelial Deposits ◽

Normal Controls

Objective: To explore the structure of obstructive venous collaterals. Design: A total of 25 rats underwent unilateral ligation of the distal common femoral vein. Bilateral (control and test) vein segments with collaterals were harvested and studied with conventional light microscopy and electron microscopy at 2-week intervals for 10 weeks post-ligation. Results: Obstructive collaterals were quite unlike normal controls throughout the study. Initially, post-obstructive collateral walls showed disorganization of collagen, elastin, smooth muscle cells, and adventitia, while endothelial cells became more rounded and compact. The dense protein subendothelial deposits noted early became organized and moved more deeply into the wall at subsequent study intervals. Minimal motivation of smooth muscle cells, coalescence of elastic lamina, condensation of collagen and some organization of the wall were noted. Conclusion: Inability of deep collaterals to function with normal wall properties is likely to be secondary to the disruption of connective tissue and sustained disorganization of the vein wall noted throughout the evolution of collateral formation.

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Immunogold localization of HMB-45 antigen in pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100141366 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 53 ◽

pp. 998-999

Author(s):

J.M. Minda ◽

E. Dessy ◽

G. G. Pietra

Keyword(s):

Smooth Muscle ◽

Smooth Muscle Cells ◽

Room Temperature ◽

Osmium Tetroxide ◽

Muscle Cells ◽

Ultrastructural Localization ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Thin Sections ◽

Smooth Muscle Proliferation ◽

Hmb 45

Pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis (PLAM) is a rare disease occurring exclusively in women of reproductive age. It involves the lungs, lymph nodes and lymphatic ducts. In the lungs, it is characterized by the proliferation of smooth muscle cells around lymphatics in the bronchovascular bundles, lobular septa and pleura The nature of smooth muscle proliferation in PLAM is still unclear. Recently, reactivity of the smooth muscle cells for HMB-45, a melanoma-related antigen has been reported by immunohistochemistry. The purpose of this study was the ultrastructural localization of HMB-45 immunoreactivity in these cells using gold-labeled antibodies.Lung tissue from three cases of PLAM, referred to our Institution for lung transplantation, was embedded in either Poly/Bed 812 post-fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide, or in LR White, without osmication. For the immunogold technique, thin sections were placed on Nickel grids and incubated with affinity purified, monoclonal anti-melanoma antibody HMB-45 (1:1) (Enzo Diag. Co) overnight at 4°C. After extensive washing with PBS, grids were treated with Goat-anti-mouse-IgG-Gold (5nm) (1:10) (Amersham Life Sci) for 1 hour, at room temperature.

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