[Morphologic observation and 3D reconstruction of aortic endothelial cells in diabetic rats with the use of atomic...

This experiment was designed to observe the morphologic changes of aortic endothelial cells in diabetic rats and to investigate the influence of hyperglycemia. Diabetic rats were used and their aortic endothelial cells were observed under atomic force microscope, then these pictures were 3D reconstructed. The results showed that numerous microvilli and round window-hollow-like structures and insect- bitten-like caveloae were scattered on the surface of the vascular endothelia, and a few ball-like granules were adhering to the endothelial cells. In diabetic rats, microvilli decreased and the cells looked as if they were weather-beaten rocks. The adhering ball-like granules in the diabetic group were significantly more than those in the control group. They were most numerous at 12 weeks. The insect-bitten-like caveloae began deepening at 7 weeks, and their diameters markedly increased at 12 weeks, but they decreased in number. After 3D figures were reconstructed, the surface of cells manifested smoothness. However, in diabetic rats, the morphology of their endothelial cells was characterized by roughness and small surface projections. The quantitative results showed that the average roughness increased gradually as the experiment time prolonged. These indicate that excess sugar in the blood may destroy the endothelial structure, make the cells rougher, and hence cause the protein granules to adhere onto the endothelial cells. At the same time, the deepening and enlargement of the insect-bitten-like caveloae may indicate the increasing endocytosis.