ISSN:
1432-0568
Keywords:
Heart
;
Endothelial cushion
;
Fusion
;
Cell interaction
;
Electron microscopy
;
Chick embryo
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary In an investigation concerning the so-called “fusion” of the atrioventricular endocardial cushions in the heart of the chick embryo the following facts were established: 1. The endocardial cushions in the chick embryo do really fuse. However, the region of fusion is less extensive than is generally accepted. 2. No regressive cellular changes were observed in the fusing endothelia with light or electron microscopy. On the contrary, mitotic activity and possibly even erythroblastic transformation were observed in the endothelium as well as in the subendothelial mesenchyme. 3. Under the light microscope, the process of fusion is characterized by interdigitation of the endothelial cells. In later stages the endothelial character of these cells disappears in such a way as to give rise to one single mesenchymal cushion mass. 4. Under the electron microscope the fusing endothelial cells form extremely long tonguelike cytoplasmic processes which protrude freely into the lumen where they may fuse with similar processes from other endothelial cells of the same side. In this way small compartments become segregated from the lumen. the plasma membrane of the processes may also fuse with the plasma membrane of the cell from which they originate. Alternating persistence and disappearance of the plasma membrane gives rise to many membrane-lined intracellular vesicles. 5. The numerous myelin figures found in and between the endothelial surfaces appear to represent the blind and empty membranous linings stripped off from cytoplasmic processes. The intracellular myelin figures are probably incorporated into the cells in the same way as described above. Apart from this form of endocytosis, signs of conventional micropinocytotic activity are present. 6. The density of endoplasmic reticulum suggests intensified protein synthetic activity, in which membrane-bound as well as free ribosomes and polysomes seem to participate. Moreover, increased mitochondrial density in the cells in the fusion region is evident. 7. Specialized junctional complexes between the plasma membranes in the form of desmosome-like junctions are relatively scarce. 8. Fusion of cytoplasmic tongues of endothelial cells with adjacent endothelial cells of the same side or of the opposite side is responsible for the exchange of large quantities of cytoplasma between endothelial cells and, as a consequence, for displacement of cell boundaries without loss of cell individuality.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00523365
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