A Fine Structure Study of Injury to the Endothelial Cells of the Rabbit Abdominal Aorta by Various Stimuli

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Abstract
In situ perfusions of the rabbit abdominal aorta with solutions of noxious agents were conducted as a model for the study of the direct action of substances on the endothelial lining. Observations with the electron microscope permitted the following generalizations: unphysiologically high doses of epinephrine, norepinephrine and bradykinin caused endothelial cell injury ranging from mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum swelling, formation of cytoplasmic extrusions and giant vacuoles, to complete cytolysis, yet all focally localized. Mechanical injury due to stretching and shock induced by slow bleeding gave similar findings; whereas perfusions with hypertonic solutions of glucose produced cytolysis throughout the aortic bed with increased permeability of the internal elastic membrane to Ag ions. The possible cause and significance of these results were discussed.

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