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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
07:36
Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
Ultrastructural studies on the lymphatic anchoring filaments.
1Departments of Anatomy and Surgery, Harvard Medical School and the General Surgical Services at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
The Journal of Cell Biology
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Lymphatic capillaries lack a continuous basement membrane, instead using unique anchoring filaments. These filaments attach lymphatic vessels to surrounding connective tissues, ensuring vessel stability.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Histology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Lymphatic capillaries are crucial for fluid homeostasis and immune surveillance.
- The structural basis for lymphatic capillary attachment to surrounding tissues was not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fine structure of lymphatic capillaries and their relationship with surrounding connective tissue.
- To identify the structural components responsible for anchoring lymphatic capillaries.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of lymphatic capillaries.
- Detailed analysis of the lymphatic endothelium and adjacent extracellular matrix.
Main Results:
- Lymphatic capillaries possess numerous fine filaments instead of a continuous basal lamina.
- These filaments insert into the lymphatic endothelium and extend into the connective tissue, associating with collagen fibers.
- The filaments, approximately 100 Å wide with a hollow, beaded profile, resemble extracellular microfibrils.
Conclusions:
- Lymphatic anchoring filaments provide the structural mechanism for attaching lymphatic capillaries to surrounding tissues.
- These filaments may contribute to the broader network of extracellular microfibrils, integrating lymphatic vessels into the tissue architecture.
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