Abstract:

Objective　To explore the endothelial microchannel and ultrastructure of the lymphatic vessel in the renal cortex

of the rat. Methods　Twelve kidneys were obtained from six rats. Eight of them were examined by histological section, Haema

toxylin Eosin (HE) and Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The other four were examined by scanning electron microscopy af

ter tissues were pre-prepared. Results　Lymphatic vessels were hardly recognized in the HE staining section of the rat kidney,

but could be detected by IHC staining of LYVE-1. They had irregular and thin walls with varying shapes and sizes. Some nuclei

of the endothelial were protruded into the lumen. The scanning electron microscope showed that scattered entrances of the endo

thelial microchannel were seen on the lymphatic vessel in the renal cortex of the rat, which contained a semicircular“roof”

and a

flat“floor”.

Metabolites were scattered around or gathered at the entrance. Conclusion　This study introduces the morpholog

ical structure of endothelial microchannels of the lymphatic vessel in the renal cortex of the rat. The result can provide a morpho

logical theoretical basis of experimental animals for further basic scientific research, tissue engineering, 3D tissue printing, and

clinical applications.

Key words:

Renal cortex, 　Lymph vessel, 　Lymphatic endothelial microchannel, 　Rat