Observations on healing tissue: A combined light and electron microscopic investigation

Abstract

1. The process of healing in the rabbit ear chamber has been investigated in detail by correlating light microscopy, mainly in vivo, and electron microscopy. 2. During healing new vessels are formed from existing vessels by a process of sprouting and anastomosis, with subsequent remodelling of the loops so formed. 3. The fundamental process in the formation of vessels by sprouting is the mitotic division of existing endothelium, during which it retains its characteristic properties. 4. Blood vessel sprouts are composed of strands of tightly apposed cells formed in continuity with the walls of existing vessels. The subsequent canalization of such strands takes place extra-cellularly by a series of events largely as described by Billroth (1856). 5. The endothelium of recently formed vessels has a fine structure which distinguishes it clearly from that of more mature vessels. Certain features of this structure are compatible with a secretory activity by the endothelium during the formation of new vessels. 6. Evidence was obtained that in the course of differentiation of recently formed vessels fibroblast-like cells are incorporated into vessel walls to become adventitial cells, and that adventitial cells may undergo conversion to vascular smooth muscle cells. 7. Lymphatic endothelium exhibits properties during regeneration that confirm the specificity of this form of endothelium. 8. Cells with the characteristic fine structure of fibroblasts were frequently found in mitosis. The fibroblasts in the regions of active fibrogenesis had a highly developed cisternal form of endoplasmic reticulum. Vesicles and corresponding caveolae identifiable in such fibroblasts may provide a communication between the endoplasmic reticulum and the sites of fibrogenesis at the external surfaces of the cells. 9. Cells sharing characteristic features of fine structure formed a series which grouped together the monocyte, macrophage and foreign body giant cell. 10. Highly fibrillary intracytoplasmic tracts were found in both fibroblasts and macrophages. These tracts were equated with the fibroglial fibres of light microscopy. 11. ‘ Clear spaces ’ in advance of the growing fringe of blood vessels were temporary structures lined by a pavement of mesothelium-like cells. 12. No evidence was found of the formation of primitive mesenchymal tissue during healing in the mammal.