Rc. Ji et S. Kato, DEMONSTRATION OF THE INTRALOBULAR LYMPHATICS IN THE GUINEA GIG PANCREAS BY AN ENZYME-HISTOCHEMICAL METHOD, Journal of Anatomy, 191, 1997, pp. 15-22
Intralobular lymphatics in the guinea pig pancreas were demonstrated e
nzyme-histochemically showing the extent, distribution and line struct
ure by combined light and transmission electron microscopy. 5'-nucleot
idase(5'-Nase)-positive lymphatic vessels were present throughout the
pancreas. Intralobular lymphatics among the acini were comparatively r
are and generally independent of the blood capillaries, pancreatic duc
ts and acini. These lymphatics revealed the usual structural features,
such as typical intercellular junctions and very tenuous vascular wal
ls without continuous basal laminae. Fine precipitates of the cerium-b
ased reaction product for 5'-Nase activity were found to be associated
with cell membranes of the lymphatic endothelium and pinocytotic vesi
cles. Lymphatics were not closely related to the endocrine islets, alt
hough alkaline phosphatase(ALPase)-positive blood capillaries were wel
l developed. Collecting lymphatic vessels with valves with weaker 5'-N
ase 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, hi
stochemically, the blood capillaries in the guinea pig pancreas.