The angiogenic theory to the development of human lymphatics is not clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the development of human lymphatics. Semi-thin and thin paraffin sections from human mature cystic ovarian teratoma tissues were studied using light and electron microscopy. Lymphatics were formed by the differentiation of mesenchymal cells that gradually acquired morphological features of endothelial cells. It is suggested that in human mature cystic ovarian teratoma the lymphatic endothelium develops from mesenchymal cells, and not from cells derived from mature endothelium of a preexisting vein or lymphatic.
Endothelial Cells ; Endothelium ; Endothelium, Lymphatic ; Humans* ; Mesoderm ; Microscopy, Electron ; Paraffin ; Teratoma* ; Veins

Based on the morphology and function of lymphatic vessel, and on the achievements of researches in the regulatory mechanism of lymphatic circulation, we fully considered the dynamic interaction of blood, interstitial fluid and lymph fluid; then we imitated and used Sungawa's method of analyzing the heart output, and finally set up a dynamic model for describing lymphatic circulation. Comparison of our calculating results with the data from Ikomi's experiment showed that they were identical, thus indicating that our model is of value in explaining the dynamic mechanism of lymphatic circulation. In this paper is especially calculated the relationship between lymph flow and massage frequency, which is useful for analyzing the effect of massage on the lymph flow rate with respect to this model.
Animals ; Computer Simulation ; Endothelium, Lymphatic ; cytology ; physiology ; Humans ; Lymph ; physiology ; Lymphatic Vessels ; physiology ; Models, Biological ; Nonlinear Dynamics ; Pressure ; Rabbits ; Rheology

PURPOSE: Panendothelial markers such as factor VIII, CD34, CD31, CD105 (endoglin) and D2-40 are useful to identify proliferating endothelium that is related to tumor invasion. This study was designed to identify the correlation between the expressions of panendothelial and lymphatic vessel markers in preoperative biopsy specimens and the clinicopathologic factors. METHODS: Preoperative biopsy specimens from 72 patients were immunostained for CD105, CD34, CD31, Factor VIII and D2-40. The microvessel and lympathic vessel densities (MVD and LVD) were counted in dense vascular foci (hot spots) on a x200 field in each specimen. The correlation between these factors and the clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The MVD by CD105 showed statistically significant correlation with tumor emboli, the T-stage, nodal metastasis and the stage, and the MVD by CD34 had statistically significant correlation with tumor emboli, nodal metastasis and the stage. The lympathic vessel density (LVD) by D2-40 showed a statistically significant correlation with tumor emboli, the T-stage and nodal metastasis. CONCLUSION: The MVD by CD105 and the LVD by D2-40 in preoperative biopsy specimens of colorectal cancers may be useful markers for the prediction of invasiveness.
Biopsy* ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Endothelium ; Factor VIII ; Humans ; Lymphatic Vessels* ; Microvessels ; Neoplasm Metastasis

Lymphatic metastasis is a continuous and complicated process. The detailed mechanisms of lymphatic metastasis are still not very clear, despite considerable research efforts in recent years. Previously, it was commonly accepted that there were no lymphatic vessels in the primary tumor. However, recent studies have demonstrated that lymphatic vessels are detectable in certain types of cancer, and more and more evidence has shown that cancer cells invade into local lymph nodes mainly via peritumoral lymphatic vessels. Moreover, activated endothelial cells may also be important, having an influence on lymphatic metastasis of cancer cells. This article, based on recent research findings, provides an in-depth discussion of the relationship between lymphangiogenesis, tumor-derived lymphatic endothelial cells and lymphatic metastasis in head and neck cancer.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; secondary ; Endothelial Cells ; pathology ; physiology ; Endothelium, Lymphatic ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; pathology ; Humans ; Lymphangiogenesis ; physiology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; pathology ; Neoplasm Invasiveness

Lymphangiectasis(=acquirecl lymphangioma) ate dilated lymph caillaris and may be due to the obstruction of the lymphatic circulation from surgery, irradiation, chronic recurrent infection or trauma. The patient was a 5 years old girl who developed a straw-colcre, asymptomatic grouped vesicular mass resembling frog spawn measuring 9 cm in diameter the left axilla and arm, 2 months after the total excision of a previous lymphangiectatic mass. She had a history of previous open heart surgery at 2 years of age. Histopathologic findings showed large, irregularly shaped cysticalation lined by a single layer of endothelium in the superficial dermis. Immunohistochemical stainig showed vimentin positive and negative results in Factor VIII and HLA-DR antigen which was compatible with a lymphatic vessel.
Arm ; Axilla ; Child, Preschool ; Dermis ; Endothelium ; Factor VIII ; Female ; Heart* ; HLA-DR Antigens ; Humans ; Lymphangioma* ; Lymphatic Vessels ; Thoracic Surgery* ; Vimentin

Cystic lymphangioma is an uncommon benign developmental tumor of the lymphatic system, seen rarely in adults. A 23-year-old man visited DKUDH complaining of the painless swelling in the right submandibular triangle area. It was reported that swelling had increased since 5 months ago. Clinically, fluctuant and mobile mass was palpated at the right submandibular area. CT scan showed a large, well-defined, homogenous low density mass, measuring 5.0X2.5X4.0 cm. T1W MRI scan demonstrated a large, multiseptated homogenous low signal mass with septum and rim enhancement. Proton-density and T2W MRI scan showed mass of high signal intensity. MRI scan was able to delineate better the enhanced multiseptation and extent of the lesion. Histopathologically, a lobulated cystic mass lined by a layer of flattened endothelium was observed.
Adult* ; Endothelium ; Humans ; Lymphangioma ; Lymphangioma, Cystic* ; Lymphatic System ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neck ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: CD105 (endoglin) has been shown to be a more useful marker to identify the proliferating endothelium involved in tumor angiogenesis than are the panendothelial markers. The monoclonal antibody D2-40 is a specific lymphatic endothelial marker. METHODS: We investigated CD105, lymphatic vessel marker (D2-40), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGD)-A and the VEGF-D expressions as possible prognostic markers in the endoscopic biopsy tissue of stomach cancer patients. The pre-operative endoscopic biopsies and surgical biopsies from 73 patients were immunostained for CD105, D2-40, VEGF-A and VEGF-D. Positively stained microvessels were counted in densely vascular foci (hot spots) at a x200 field in each specimen. RESULTS: The microvessel density (MVD) and lymphatic vessel density (LVD), according to the CD105 and D2-40 expressions of the endoscopic biopsies, showed a statistically significant correlation with the surgical biopsies. The MVD via CD105 a showed statistically significant correlation with the histologic differentiation, T-stage, nodal metastasis and stage in the endoscopic biopsies and surgical biopsies, respectively. The lympathic vessel density (LVD) via D2-40 showed a statistically significant correlation with T-stage, nodal metastasis and stage in the endoscopic biopsies. The expressions of VEGF-A and VEGF-D showed a statistically significant correlation with the MVD and LVD. CONCLUSION: The MVD, as determined by the CD105 expression and the LVD as determined by the D2-40 expression may be useful markers for predicting the invasiveness with using a pre-operative endoscopic biopsy of stomach cancer.
Biopsy* ; Endothelium ; Humans ; Lymphatic Vessels ; Microvessels ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Stomach Neoplasms* ; Stomach* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors*

PURPOSE: Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane proteins that function as molecular water channels. In mammalian stomach, including human, a large quantitiy of gastric juice is secreted, so water channels are probably involved in its exocrine function. However, little is known about the expression of AQPs in stomach. The purpose of this study was to establish the distribution of AQP-1, AQP-2, AQP-3, and AQP-4 in rat stomach. METHODS: Stomachs of Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200 to 250g, were preserved with a periodate-lysine-paraformaldehyde solution and processed for immunohistochemical studies using ABC method. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies to AQP-1, AQP-2, AQP-3, or AQP-4 were used to identify the water channels. To identify the pericyte and smooth muscle in the vascular wall, mice monoclonal antibody to alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) was used. Parietal cells were identified using an rabbit polyclonal antibody against the H+/-K+/-ATPase. RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrate distinct distributions of AQP-1 and AQP-4 in rat stomach. AQP-1 is present in apical and basolateral membranes of endothelial cells of lymphatic capillary. AQP-4 is restricted to basolateral membranes of parietal cells located in the glandular base. Whereas, there is no AQP-4 immunoreactivity in the parietal cells of isthmus/neck region. No immunoreactivity for AQP-2 or AQP-3 was observed in rat stomach. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that AQP-1 is involved in transcellular water transport in the endothelium of lymphatic capillary, and AQP-4 is a major water channel involved in acid secretion in rat stomach.
Actins ; Animals ; Antibodies ; Aquaporins ; Endothelial Cells ; Endothelium ; Gastric Juice ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymphatic Vessels ; Membranes ; Mice ; Muscle, Smooth ; Pericytes ; Rabeprazole ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stomach*

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare tumor of vascular endothelium that is considered to be of borderline malignancy. Typical sites of involvement include soft tissue and less frequently, liver and lung. A 45-year-old woman had found a nodule on left second finger. There were no specific personal or family history. Physical examination revealed a 0.7x0.7cm sized skin-colored hard nodule on the dorsum of the distal interphalangeal joint of left second finger. There were no lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, or bone tenderness. The patient underwent an excision of the lesion. On microscopic examination, a moderately well-circumscribed nodule composed of sheets and cords of epithelioid cells, many of which possessed intracytoplasmic lumina, was noted in the dermis. Erythrocytes were seen within some of the lumina. On immunohistochemical staining, the cells showed positive staining for factor VIII-related antigen and smooth muscle actin, and negative staining for CD31, CD34 and S-100.
Actins ; Dermis ; Endothelium, Vascular ; Epithelioid Cells ; Erythrocytes ; Female ; Fingers ; Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid* ; Humans ; Joints ; Liver ; Lung ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Middle Aged ; Muscle, Smooth ; Negative Staining ; Physical Examination ; von Willebrand Factor

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution patterns and proliferative activity of lymphatic vessels in colorectal carcinomas (CRC) and their relationship with tumor metastasis and disease prognosis.

METHODSThe microlymphatic density (MLD) and microvascular density in tumoral and non-tumoral areas of 96 cases of CRC were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, using monoclonal antibodies for podoplanin and CD34 respectively. The Ki-67 expression of the lymphatic and blood vessels was detected by double-labeling immunohistochemistry. The relationship between MLD and clinicopathologic features and prognosis was analyzed.

RESULTSThe lymph vessels at central and superficia1 portions of CRC often had a reticular architecture with numerous tiny and ill-defined lumina, while those at the tumor borders had large and open lumina. The MLD at tumor borders (51.2 +/- 25.5) was significantly higher than that in normal colorectal mucosa (29.4 +/- 9.0) and other portions of CRC (P < 0.01). The Ki-67 labeling index of the lymphatic lining cells at tumor borders (0.23 +/- 0.17) was significantly higher than that in other portions of CRC (P < 0.05). The MLD significantly correlated with lymphatic involvement by tumor cells, regional lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis (P < 0.01). The 5-year survival rate was also significantly lower in patients with high MLD (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSNeolymphatic vessels are commonly seen in CRC, especially at tumor borders. High MLD at tumor borders is associated with metastasis. The detection of MLD at tumor borders may thus be useful in predicting lymph node metastasis and prognosis in patients with CPC.

Adenocarcinoma ; immunology ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; immunology ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Endothelium, Vascular ; immunology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Lymphangiogenesis ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Lymphatic Vessels ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate