This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Porto, L. C. Articles by da Silveira, P. R. M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Porto, L. C. Articles by da Silveira, P. R. M. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Immunolabeling of Type IV Collagen, Laminin, and -Smooth Muscle Actin Cells in the Intima of Normal and Varicose Saphenous Veins

Laborat6rio de Microscopia Eletr6nica, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Maria Auxiliadora Pantoja Ferreira, BSc, MSc

Laborat6rio de Microscopia Eletr6nica, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Andrea Monte Alto Costa, BSc, MSc

Laborat6rio de Microscopia Eletr6nica, Departamento de Histologia e Embriologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Paulo Roberto Mattos da Silveira, MD, DSc

Sector de Angiologia, Faculdade de Ciencias M6dicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Smooth muscle cells (SMC) of normal and varicose human saphenous intima were studied on cryostat sections by immunohistochemistry with -smooth muscle actin (ASMA), type IV collagen, and laminin antibodies and also by transmission electron microscopy. The findings suggest two structurally distinct subtypes of smooth muscle cells with thin and thicker external lamina. Thin external lamina SMC were characterized by laminin, type IV collagen, weaker external lamina reactivity, and intense cytoplasmic -smooth muscle actin immunoreactivity. Ultrastructurally, they exhibited abundant cyto plasmic microfilaments and thin external lamina. These cells were found isolated or, more frequently, clustered in fascicles close to the subendothelium in focal or zonal cushions, or in diffuse enlargement of the intima. In contrast, thicker external lamina smooth muscle cells were intensely immunolabeled for laminin and collagen IV, showing irregular cytoplasmic ASMA reaction. Single or clustered thicker external lamina SMC were seen predominantly in zonal cushions and in intima diffuse enlargement. It is very likely that these cells secrete these matrices in a nonpolarized fashion. The thicker external lamina of these SMCs showed a fine granular amorphous aspect sometimes intermingled with microfibrils. These external lamina were interposed between neigh boring cells and exposed to collagen fibrils and elastic fibers. The cells also exhibited rarefaction of the cytoplasmic filaments. Intermediary cells exhibiting both features were rarely seen. Thicker external lamina SMC should be discussed in the context of an adaptive/proliferative response leading to dysfunction of the fibroelastic properties of the vein wall.

Angiology, Vol. 49, No. 5, 391-398 (1998)
DOI: 10.1177/000331979804900508


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?