ABSTRACT
Objective To study the distribution of proteoglycan(PG) in high endothelial venules(HEVs), inquire into regulate role of proteoglycans for lymphocyte homing. Methods With cationic iron colloid solution staining enzyme sequence blocked method, the distribution of different PG in lymphocytes inside the HEVs, endothelial cells and basement membranes were observed under the light microscope and electron microscope. Results The basement membrane of HEVs and the lymphocytes adjacent basement membranes were strongly positive staining, they could be blocked by hyaluronidase, heparinase and chondroitinase. under the electron microscope, the colloid granules were mainly distributed inside or outside the basement membranes and in the traversing or traversed basement membranes lymphocyte membranes. The endothelial cells, the lymphocytes traversing endothelium and the lymphocytes inside the HEVs were negtive staining.Conclusion The PG that distributed in the basement membranes of HEVs and the membranes of lymphocyte traversing basement membranes were mainly heparin sulfate proteoglycan and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and hyaluoronic acid, they may play an important role in the homing lymphocytes traversed basement membranes.