Resin cast in situ: A technique to demonstrate the vasculature of the Nervous system: In Goat Model

Background: As Anatomical education advances very rapidly, and at the same time, there is huge demand and scarcity of true biological models, mainly brain tissue. In this scenario, in 1977, Guther Von Hagens worked on plastics and experimented voraciously on diffusing various plastics into large specimens and ultimately succeeded and coined the term “Plastination”. This technique is very popular in Western countries as the latter greatly minimizes the health hazards due to formalin exposure while dealing with biological tissue. In continuation with the advancement of expensive plastination to cost-effective resin casting, especially studies over the complex structures like the brain and spinal cord. In This study, we emphasize the cost-effective Resin cast-insitu method to demonstrate the vasculature of the brain and spinal cord. Materials and Methods: After obtaining the prior permission, we collected the Five (5) Goat heads from the slaughterhouse. Following the standard dissection procedure over the neck region, identified and canulated the major neck vessels. Through the vessels normal saline water, formalin, and pigmented resin were administered and preserved the goat head using routine preservation technique. After 36 to 48 hours, the routine dissection was scheduled to expose the brain and upper spinal cord segments, and finding were captured and recorded. Results and Discussion: The specimens show good penetration of dye in the artery and veins, and it’s easy to appreciate and study the vasculature of the brain and upper spinal cord segments, including the Bastons plexus of veins. Conclusion: In comparison with regular silicon casting, resin casting is very cost-effective and long-lasting, with good penetration of the resin substance up to the capillary level. Furthermore, similar studies may be conducted using in combination with whole organ plastination using silicon and resin embedding.

Evaluation of optical coherence tomography angiography changes in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

Purpose: To study the long?term microvasculature changes at the macula and the optic disk in eyes with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Methods: Patients with acute NAION of less than 6 weeks duration were included. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the macula and the optic disk was performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months and compared with the controls. Results: The mean age of 15 patients was 52.25 (±9.06) years. The whole image superficial peripapillary density (42.49 ± 5.28) was significantly low when compared to that of control eyes (46.36 ± 2.09); similarly, radial peripapillary capillary density (49.35 ± 5.64) was also significantly reduced when compared to controls (53.45 ± 1.96, P < 0.05). These parameters showed significant progressive decrease at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). At the macula, both superficial (41.83 ± 3.64) and deep macular vasculature densities (47.30 ± 2.04) were significantly reduced when compared to control eyes (52.15 ± 4.84 and 55.13 ± 1.81, respectively). The vascular density at the macula remained stable at 3? and 6?months period. Conclusion: The study shows that the microvasculature in case of NAION is significantly reduced both in peripapillary area and in macular area.

Alterations of choroidal vasculature after submacular fluid absorption in central serous chorioretinopathy using ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To analyze the associations between the choroidal vasculature and submacular fluid (SMF) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).Methods:A retrospective study. A total of 29 CSC patients (31 eyes) with complete records who visited the Department of Ophthalmology in Peking University People's Hospital from August 1, 2021 to March 1, 2023 were included in this study. The patients were divided into complete absorption and incomplete absorption groups according to the status of SMF in the last visit. All the patients underwent ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF SS-OCTA) with a scanning range of 24 mm × 20 mm. The UWF SS-OCTA images were automatically analyzed in 9 regions (superotemporal, superior, superonasal, temporal, central, nasal, inferotemporal, inferior, and inferonasal). Alterations of choroidal vasculature in the nine subfields after SMF absorption were described, including choroidal thickness (CT), flow density of choriocapillaris layer, vessel density of large choroidal vessel layer, three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index (CVI), the mean choroidal vessel volume (mCVV), and the mean choroidal stroma volume (mCSV). The relevant factors affecting the complete absorption of SMF were additionally evaluated.Results:At baseline, CT ( Z=2.859, P=0.004), mCVV ( t=2.514, P=0.018), and mCSV ( Z=2.958, P=0.003) in the superotemporal region of the affected eyes in the incomplete absorption group were significantly higher than those in the complete absorption group. Compared with baseline, at the last visit, the proportion of asymmetric vortex veins in the complete absorption group was significantly decreased ( χ2=6.000, P=0.014), CVI in the superotemporal, superonasal, temporal, central, nasal, inferotemporal, and inferonasal regions ( t=-4.125, t=-3.247, Z=-3.213, t=-2.994, t=-3.417, t=-3.733, t=-3.795; P=0.001, 0.006, 0.001, 0.010, 0.005, 0.003, 0.002), the mCVV of 9 regions ( t=-2.959, t=-2.537, t=-2.235, t=-3.260, t=-3.022, t=-2.796, t=-2.747, Z=-2.107, t=-2.935; P=0.011, 0.025, 0.044, 0.006, 0.010, 0.015, 0.017, 0.035, 0.012) were significantly decreased. Compared to the complete absorption group, the choroidal blood flow changes in the non-complete absorption group were more limited, and CT in the upper region increased significantly at the last follow-up ( t=2.272, P=0.037). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline CT in the superotemporal region may be an independent risk factor affecting the complete absorption of SMF (odds ratio=0.981, 95% confidential interval 0.965-0.997, P=0.021). Conclusions:In the process of SMF absorption in CSC, significant reductions of choroidal blood flow were found in the large choroidal vessel layer, and there may be a locally compensatory increase in CT. In addition, baseline CT in superotemporal region is an independent risk factor affecting SMF absorption.

Advances of immune-vascular crosstalk for oncology therapeutics / 中国药理学通报

Malignant tumor is one of the important reasons threatening human health and safety at present. The application of antiangiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors has brought great hope for tumor treatment, but the complex interlaced relationship between tumor blood vessels and immune microenvironment leads to unsatisfactory efficacy. In addition,VEGF, a key driver of tumor angiogenesis, interferes with the maturation of dendritic cells, thereby inhibiting the initiation of T cells. VEGF also induces depletion of CD8+T cells. At the same time, various innate and acquired immune cells secrete angiogenic factors that accelerate uncontrolled angiogenesis and promote vascular immaturity. Therefore targeting tumor blood vessels and immunity is a potential strategy for enhancing tumor immunotherapy. In recent years numerous studies have found that using the blood vessels and the immune intervention strategies combined with antitumor immune therapy has achieved good results. In this review the immune and vascularized tumor microenvironment are reviewed and discussed, and the research progress of vascularized immune interintervention strategy for tumor treatment in recent years is reviewed so as to provide reference for further improving the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy.

Comparison study of clinical features between persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous and congenital fibrovascular pupillary membrane / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the similarities and differences of the clinical features between persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous(PHPV)and congenital fibrovascular pupillary membrane(CFPM).METHODS: Retrospectively analyze the ocular biometric parameters, clinical features and morphological changes in children with PHPV(PHPV group)and CFPM(CFPM group)who received surgery at the department of ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital from March 2006 to December 2021.RESULTS: The study included 56 cases(61 eyes)of PHPV and 24 cases(25 eyes)of CFPM. There were no differences on the gender and age of onset between PHPV and CFPM, and both of them were mainly unilaterally affected, with the ratio of 91% and 96%. Children with PHPV and cataract combined with other complications and ocular developmental abnormalities. CFPM was mainly presented different degrees of blockage and morphological abnormalities of pupillary area. In unilateral cases of PHPV and CFPM, the anterior chamber depth(ACD)of affected eyes was smaller than that of the fellow eyes, and in subgroups with age of operation ≤24mo, the axial length(AL)of affected eyes was smaller than that of the fellow eyes(P&#x003C;0.05). The corneal diameter(CD)of the affected eyes in PHPV group was smaller and the intraocular pressure(IOP)was higher than those of the fellow eyes(all P&#x003C;0.05); while there were no significant differences on CD and IOP between affected eyes and the fellow eyes in CFPM group(P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05). The ACD of affected eyes in PHPV group was significantly smaller than that of CFPM group(P&#x003C;0.05). The fibrovascular membrane in PHPV group was located in the posterior part of the lens and vitreous cavity; while the fibrovascular membrane in CFPM group was located between the iris and the anterior capsule of the lens, rarely involving the lens.CONCLUSION: PHPV and CFPM had the similar clinical features, suggesting that they may belong to the different variants of persistent fetal vasculature(PFV). However, PHPV had a wider range of lesions and more complex conditions.

Coexistencia de vasculatura fetal persistente y retinoblastoma en el mismo ojo / Coexistence of persistent fetal vasculature and retinoblastoma in the same eye

Resumen Introducción: El retinoblastoma (RB) es el tumor maligno primario intraocular más frecuente en la infancia y debe ser la principal patología a descartar en los pacientes pediátricos con leucocoria. La persistencia de la vasculatura fetal (PVF) está dentro del diagnóstico diferencial de la leucocoria, un trastorno del vítreo que surge de un defecto en la involución de la vasculatura hialoidea en la etapa embrionaria que afecta al desarrollo ocular normal y comúnmente produce microoftalmia asociada. El diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento oportuno son cruciales para un buen pronóstico y mejor esperanza de vida del infante. Caso clínico: Presentamos un caso de coexistencia de retinoblastoma y PVF: paciente de sexo masculino de 2 años y 11 meses sin reflejo rojo y vasculatura y membrana blanco-amarillenta detrás del cristalino en el ojo derecho. La ecografía en modo B con desorganización de la cavidad vítrea con ecos de alta reflectividad sugestivos de calcificación. A la exploración se observó globo ocular agrandado, rubeosis iridis, vasculatura posterior, presión intraocular 28 mmHg. Tomografía computarizada con masa intraocular heterogénea con regiones hiperdensas. Con diagnóstico de probable retinoblastoma, se realizó la enucleación. La histopatología informó el hallazgo de retinoblastoma moderadamente diferenciado coexistente con PVF. Conclusiones: El hallazgo de estos dos diagnósticos en un mismo ojo es muy poco frecuente debido a la diferente fisiopatología.

Abstract Background: As retinoblastoma (RB) is the most frequent primary intraocular malignant tumor in childhood, it should be the main pathology to rule out in pediatric patients with leukocoria. Persistence of fetal vasculature (PFV) is within the differential diagnosis of leukocoria, a vitreous disorder arising from a defect in the involution of the hyaloid vasculature in the embryonic stage, which affects normal ocular development and commonly produces associated microophthalmia. An early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for a better prognosis and life expectancy of the child. Case report: We present a case of retinoblastoma and coexisting with PFV: a 2-years-and 11-months-old male with no red reflex, and vasculature and yellowish-white membrane behind the lens of the right eye. B-mode ultrasound with disorganization of the vitreous cavity with high reflectivity echoes suggestive of calcification. On examination we found an enlarged eyeball, rubeosis iridis, posterior vasculature, intraocular pressure 28 mmHg. Computed tomography with heterogeneous intraocular mass with hyperdense regions. With a diagnosis of probable retinoblastoma, enucleation was performed. Histopathology reported moderately differentiated retinoblastoma coexisting with PFV. Conclusions: The finding of these two diagnoses in the same eye is very rare due to the different pathophysiology.

Normative data of retinal arteriolar and venular calibre measurements determined using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy system – Importance and implications for study of cardiometabolic disorders

Purpose: To determine and validate retinal vascular caliber measurements by using the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy system. Retinal vasculature changes are often regarded as clinical markers for systemic disease. Methods: It was a prospective observational study conducted on 600 eyes of 300 normal subjects with no systemic or ocular illness from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 in a tertiary referral eye center. Non?mydriatic infrared reflectance, blue reflectance, and blue peak blue autofluorescence fundus imaging were done on the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy system. The dimensions of the retinal vessels were measured using inbuilt calipers at 1800 ?m from the center of the optic disc. Internal and external dimensions were measured. Observer variation and its comparison using Image J software were assessed. Results: The median age was 29 years (18–50 years). Mean internal and external diameters for arterioles were 85.1 ± 12.4 ?m and 105.0 ± 12.0 ?m, and for venules were 133.8 ± 16.6 ?m and 145.4 ± 16.1 ?m, respectively. The mean internal and external wall thicknesses were 19.7 ± 8.0 ?m and 11.0 ± 5.6 ?m, and wall thickness?to?lumen ratios were 0.3 ± 0.1 and 0.1 ± 0.1, respectively. Arteriolar?to?venular ratio for lumen and vessel was 0.66 ± 0.1 and 0.74 ± 0.1, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between age groups. Both inter? and intra?observer reproducibility was >95%. The Bland–Altman plot showed that the difference between measurements using both confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and Image J software lies within the limits of agreement approximately 95% of the time. Conclusion: This is the first effort to develop a normative database by using a simple non?invasive confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy system with high observer reproducibility

Retinal and choroidal vascular changes in newly diagnosed celiac disease: An optical coherence tomography angiography study

Purpose: To investigate the retinal and choroidal microcirculation changes in celiac disease (CD) patients via optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT?A). Methods: This cross?sectional study included 44 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed CD and 44 healthy pediatric subjects. The vascular densities (VD) of the superficial, deep, and choriocapillar plexuses (VDs, VDd, and VDcc, respectively) (%), the superficial and deep foveal avascular zones (FAZs and FAZd) (%), the central macular thickness (CMT) (?m), and the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (?m) were measured with swept?source OCT?A in addition to a complete ophthalmological examination. Results: Mean ages of the CD patients and the healthy participants were 12.02 ± 2.9 and 13.6 ± 2.3 years, respectively. The central sectors of the VDs and VDd measurements were found to be significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.006; P = 0.001, respectively), and the temporal and nasal values of the VDcc measurements were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (p ? 0.05 for both values). CMT and FAZ metrics did not differ between the groups (p ? 0.05). SFCT was significantly reduced (p = 0.001), and choroidal thinning was more considerable in female CD patients (p = 0.045). Conclusion: CD seems to affect macular and choroidal microcirculation. The reduced choriocapillaris plexus parameters and choroidal thickness may provide disease activity information.

Posterior optic capture of intraocular lens in difficult cases of pediatric cataract

We describe the technique of posterior optic capture without anterior vitrectomy in two difficult cases of pediatric cataract. We demonstrate how a three?piece foldable intraocular lens can be maneuvered behind the posterior capsule after an improvised posterior capsulotomy. This technique provided excellent intraocular lens (IOL) stability with the absence of lens epithelial cell proliferation in infants with altered posterior capsule morphology

Tumor-derived exosomes: Nanovesicles made by cancer cells to promote cancer metastasis

Nanomedicine usually refers to nanoparticles that deliver the functional drugs and siRNAs to treat cancer. Recent research has suggested that cancer cells can also make nanoparticles that also deliver functional molecules in promoting cancer metastasis, which is the leading cause of various cancer mortalities. This nanoparticle is called tumor-derived vesicles, or better-known as tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs). TEXs are nanoscale membrane vesicles (30-140 nm) that are released continuously by various types of cancer cells and contain tumor-derived functional biomolecules, including lipids, proteins, and genetic molecules. These endogenous TEXs can interact with host immune cells and epithelial cells locally and systemically. More importantly, they can reprogram the recipient cells in favor of promoting metastasis through facilitating tumor cell local invasion, intravasation, immune evasion, extravasation, and survival and growth in distant organs. Growing evidence suggests that TEXs play a key role in cancer metastasis. Here, we will review the most recent findings of how cancer cells harness TEXs to promote cancer metastasis through modulating vascular permeability, suppressing systemic immune surveillance, and creating metastatic niches. We will also summarize recent research in targeting TEXs to treat cancer metastasis.

Optical coherence tomography angiography�based analysis of intrinsic vasculature in juxtapapillary melanoma after ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy

In this case report, we demonstrate the use of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) as a tool to evaluate intrinsic vasculature in a case of juxtapapillary melanoma which underwent ruthinium.106 plaque brachytherapy. In this case, OCTA could demonstrate a decrease in caliber and density of the intrinsic vasculature of the tumor post brachytherapy.

Evaluation of collagen derived antiangiogenic factors and matrix metalloproteinases in anterior lens epithelial cells of pediatric eyes with persistent fetal vasculature

Purpose: To measure levels of collagen-derived antiangiogenic factors (arresten, canstatin, tumstatin, endostatin) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in anterior lens epithelial cells (LECs) and anterior capsules of children with cataract and persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) as cases and cataract without PFV as controls. Methods: Anterior capsules harboring LECs were collected from pediatric cataract patients with (n = 13) and without PFV (n = 13) during surgery. Samples were immediately subjected to RNA extraction and cDNA preparation. Quantitative real time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of antiangiogenic factors and matrix metalloproteinases. GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) and ? Actin were used as the housekeeping control. The mRNA levels were expressed as a ratio, using the delta-delta method for comparing the relative expression results between controls and cases. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was applied for statistical evaluation. P values < 0.05 were statistically significant. Results: The relative mRNA levels of arresten, canstatin, tumstatin, endostatin, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cases were 6.20E-03 ± 0.003, 1.49E-01 ± 0.02, 1.70E-01 ± 0.007, 3.20E-03 ± 0.003, 1.11E-03 ± 0.0009 and 3.72E-04 ± 0.0001. The mRNA levels of arresten was 1.6 times lower (P = 0.01) while mRNA levels of MMP-2, tumstatin and canstatin were 4, 2.5, and 2.3 times higher in cases than in controls. No change was observed in mRNA levels of MMP-9 and endostatin (P = 0.82). Conclusion: A significant difference in the levels of arresten, canstatin, tumstatin, and MMP-2 was found in LECs with PFV.

Dermatologic clue to renal cell carcinoma: a case report

Visceral malignancies often present as cutaneous lesion and are an important clue towards the diagnosis. Authors report a case of a 64 years old male, who presented to us with right hemiparesis and multiple purple-red skin lesions. Systematic evaluation, thorough history and histological examination of the skin lesion showing the characteristic lesion lead to a final diagnosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma. Although in the history and physical examination there was no sign of Renal Cell Carcinoma, but eventually the case turned out to be an extensively spread cancer. This kind of Cutaneous lesions in a case of RCC is a rare phenomenon and has not been frequently mentioned in the previous literature, thus this case reminds us about the importance of a detailed clinical look out in each and every patient and various clues to make a correct and timely diagnosis of systemic diseases. The list of visceral malignancies causing cutaneous metastasis is quite long and requires a battery of test to diagnose the same.

A clinicopathological study of persistent fetal vasculature

Purpose: To study the clinicopathological findings of Persistent Fetal Vasculature (PFV) in patients with congenital cataract and PFV. Methods: Six eyes with anterior or combined PFV with cataract underwent phacoaspiration with primary posterior capsulotomy with anterior vitrectomy with intraocular lens implantation followed by histopathological evaluation of the PFV stalk and membrane. Results: Four and two patients had combined and anterior PFV respectively. There was no postoperative hyphema, vitreous haemorrhage, glaucoma or retinal detachment in six months. Haematoxylin and eosin staining showed inflammatory cells predominantly with extramedullary hematopoeisis and vascularisation. Conclusion: We recommend IOL implantation in PFV, with early and aggressive amblyopia therapy.

Phage display screening of therapeutic peptide for cancer targeting and therapy

Recently, phage display technology has been announced as the recipient of Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2018. Phage display technique allows high affinity target-binding peptides to be selected from a complex mixture pool of billions of displayed peptides on phage in a combinatorial library and could be further enriched through the biopanning process; proving to be a powerful technique in the screening of peptide with high affinity and selectivity. In this review, we will first discuss the modifications in phage display techniques used to isolate various cancer-specific ligands by in situ, in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo screening methods. We will then discuss prominent examples of solid tumor targeting-peptides; namely peptide targeting tumor vasculature, tumor microenvironment (TME) and over-expressed receptors on cancer cells identified through phage display screening. We will also discuss the current challenges and future outlook for targeting peptide-based therapeutics in the clinics.

Anatomical and clinical aspects of horseshoe kidney: a review of the current literature / Aspectos anatómicos y clínicos del riñón en herradura: una revisión de la literatura actual

SUMMARY: Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is the most common kidney malformation. This review analyses the literature surrounding the etiology, morphology and clinical anatomy of these kidney fusion anomalies. A systematic literature search was carried out using the Science Direct and Scopus applications. HSK is characterized by three anatomic abnormalities: ectopia, malrotation and vascular changes. The study put emphasis especially on blood supply and upper urinary tract changes in HSK's patients. Arterial blood supply was analysed not only basing on Graves pattern, but also a new model of supply created on horseshoe kidneys computed tomography was taken into account. In addition, study presents clinical aspects of especially significant pathology of HSK, like hydronephrosis, stones and urinary tract infection. This study focuses also on congenital anomalies associated with horseshoe kidney.

RESUMEN: El riñón en herradura (RH) es la malformación renal más común reportada en la literatura. Esta revisión analiza la literatura que rodea la etiología, morfología y anatomía clínica de esta anomalía de fusión renal. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura utilizando las aplicaciones Science Direct y Scopus. El riñón en herradura se caracteriza por tres anomalías anatómicas: ectopía, malrotación y cambios vasculares. El estudio puso énfasis especialmente en el suministro de sangre y los cambios del tracto urinario superior en los pacientes con RH. El suministro de sangre arterial se analizó no solo basándose en el patrón de Graves, sino que también se tuvo en cuenta un nuevo modelo de suministro creado en los riñones en herradura. Además, el estudio presenta aspectos clínicos de patología especialmente significativa de RH, como hidronefrosis, cálculos e infección del tracto urinario. Este estudio se centró también en las anomalías congénitas asociadas con el riñón en herradura.

Posterior lenticonus with persistent fetal vasculature

A 10 year old girl present with both eyes central cataract with posterior lenticonus. Intraoperative, she was noted to have both eyes persistent fetal vasculature (PFV). To the best of our knowledge, association of bilateral posterior lenticonus and PFV has not been reported before. This supports the hypothesis that PFV has a role in pathogenesis of posterior lenticonus.

Chronic Treatment with Combined Chemotherapeutic Agents Affects Hippocampal Micromorphometry and Function in Mice, Independently of Neuroinflammation

Chemotherapeutic agents induce long-term side effects, including cognitive impairment and mood disorders, particularly in breast cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy. However, the precise mechanisms underpinning chemotherapy-induced hippocampal dysfunction remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the detrimental effects of chronic treatment with a combination of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (AC) on the neuronal architecture and functions of the hippocampi of female C57BL/6 mice. After chronic AC administration, mice showed memory impairment (measured using a novel object recognition memory task) and depression-like behavior (measured using the tail suspension test and forced swim test). According to Golgi staining, chronic AC treatment significantly reduced the total dendritic length, ramification, and complexity as well as spine density and maturation in hippocampal neurons in a sub-region-specific manner. Additionally, the AC combination significantly reduced adult neurogenesis, the extent of the vascular network, and the levels of hippocampal angiogenesis-related factors. However, chronic AC treatment did not increase the levels of inflammation-related signals (microglial or astrocytic distribution, or the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines or M1/M2 macrophage markers). Thus, chronic AC treatment changed the neuronal architecture of the adult hippocampus, possibly by reducing neurogenesis and the extent of the vasculature, independently of neuroinflammation. Such detrimental changes in micromorphometric parameters may explain the hippocampal dysfunction observed after cancer chemotherapy.

Anatomy of caudal vessels of the rat and physiological functions of rat tail / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To further definite the distribution of caudal arteries and veins of rat by anatomical dissection and to deepen the understanding of their physiological functions, and provide a basis for standardization of animal experimental techniques and design of animal models. Methods Eighteen SPF adult SD rats were used in this study. Several techniques were used in combination to study the anatomy and histology of the rat tail blood vessels:paraformaldehyde perfusion through the abdominal aorta was performed for rapid and thorough fixation, blue and red paints were injected to visualize the tail veins and arteries, respectively, arterial microangiography was performed to illustrate the distribution of tail arteries, and the microscopic structure of arteries and veins was verified by histological examination. Results Three longitudinal superficial arterial and venous systems of rat tail were confirmed and a dorsal arterial and venous chain structure was defined, which deeped our knowledge about the distribution of the deep blood vessels. In addition, the caliber of arteries was not corresponding with that of veins, providing a basis of their physiological functions. A bilayer cage connecting structure of the rat tail vasculature was for the first time defined. Conclusions The rich vascular structure of rat tail is described in details in this study. The existence of basal vascular system of rat tail is clarified. A concept of bilayer framework of the rat tail vasculature is proposed, which lays a good foundation for related researches of their physiological functions, and provides a good basis for avoiding major injuries and compensatory responses of hindlimb ischemia during animal experiments.