Fiber arrangement of the rat splenic capsule with special reference to elastic fibers

The fiber arrangement of the rat splenic capsule was examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM) after selective removal by chemical maceration of capsule components, in conjunction with examination of thin sections using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). TEM findings were compared to those of the guinea-pig, mouse and dog. Serosal cells of the rat splenic capsule showed labyrinthic channels that consisted of expanded intercellular spaces and tunnel-like spaces or slits in the basal cytoplasm. The channels contained fascicles of collagenous fibrils, forming a loose net on an underlying elastic lamina of densely aggregated elastic fibers. The fibrous tunica was an intermingled layer of elastic and collagenous fibers and sparse interstitial cells. The fibrous components were arranged more densely in the external layer than in the internal layer of the capsule. The elastic lamina comprised the outermost layer of the fibrous tunica in the intertrabecular region, but was situated deep in the trabecular region. Outward branches of the lamina in the trabecular region were arranged in a spiral. Intrachannel fibrillar fascicles were continuous, via fenestrations in the elastic lamina, with thick fascicles of collagenous fibers. The elastic lamina may play a role in effective contraction of whole spleen. In the guinea-pig, mouse and dog, elastic fibers were fragmented and not arranged in laminae. Typical smooth muscle cells were abundant in the dog. The channel spaces in the serosal tunica are discussed from the viewpoint of extravascular lymphatic flow for circulation of the peritoneal serous fluid.