Abstract
This study is concerned with the passage of carbon particles through the sinusoidal lining cells of bone marrow and embryonic liver of the rat. A carbon suspension (Pelikan C11/1431A, GΓΌnther Wagner, Hanover) diluted 1:1 with double strength Tyrode solution, was administered through the aorta for the bone marrow studies and through the umbilical vein for observations on the embryonic liver. The carbon particles have a diameter ranging from 220 to 380 Γ
with a mean diameter of 280 Γ
. Within three minutes after the injection, the particulate was present in the extravascular spaces. Neither the sinusoidal walls of the bone marrow nor of the embryonic rat liver prior to 16 days gestation have preformed apertures. In both cases, the carbon particles enter the extravascular space through fenestrae with diaphragms. No carbon particles occur in the junctional spaces between the lining cells. The temporary pores caused by diapedetic blood cells maintain a tight seal and no particulate was observed leaving the vascular space at these sites. At 17 days of gestation, open gaps develop in the endothelial lining of the embryonic rat liver and particulate material leaves the vascular lumen through these openings. The presence of bristleβcoated vesicles containing particulate material at the abluminal side of the lining cells is interpreted as a retrograde uptake by these phagocytic cells rather than as evidence for vesicular transmural transport.