[Ultrastructure of smooth myocytes of small extraorganic lymphatic vessels]

Leiomyocytes in musculature of small extraorganic human lymphatics were studied by means of electron microscopic method. Organization of the precollector wall muscular component indicates heterogeneity of smooth myocytes population and specific character of intercellular communications which is probably determined by peculiarities of these lymphatic bed link. In smooth myocytes population "light" and "dark" cells and "synthetic" type leiomyocytes were found. A problem on the role of endothelium and leiomyocytes interaction in mechanisms of regulation of precollector musculature contraction is under discussion. It was suggested that small extraorganic lymph vessels with muscular component in their wall provide lymph flow while the zones with random or single muscular elements are more often connected with intercellular fluid absorption.