A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Subcapsular Lymphatic Capillaries of the Normal Liver and the Liver in Budd-Chiari Syndrome after Chemical Digestion
The subcapsular lymphatic capillaries of normal and Budd-Chiari syndrome livers were observed by scanning electron microscopy after manual stripping of the liver capsule followed by chemical digestion (HCl-collagenase). The following results were obtained. 1. The stereoscopic architecture and external surfaces of the subcapsular lymphatic capillaries of the normal liver and the liver in Budd-Chiari syndrome were clarified. 2. In the normal liver, the subcapsular lymphatic capillaries were divided into the following three types : Type-1, initial lymphatics with many small pores, spreading in a fine mesh just above the hepatic parenchyma; Type-2, lymphatic capillaries with many blind-ended porous branches, running stereoscopically in all directions, and Type-3, aggregate vessels of the subcapsular lymphatic capillaries showing a relatively straight and long running course. The initial lymphatics were considered to be peculiar to the liver for absorption and drainage of its abundant lymph containing a large quantity of protein. 3. In Budd-Chiari syndrome, the subcapsular lymphatic capillaries were anastomosed and crossed one another, and had blind-ended branches. On their surface, larger pores than those in the normal liver were observed. These large pores were considered to be suitable for draining of the increased hepatic lymph of this syndrome.
