Ligamentum arteriosum and its telocytes: An ultrastructure description

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Histology

Background:

• Telocytes (TCs) are specialized interstitial cells originating from the mesoderm.
• TCs possess unique cellular extensions known as telopodes (Tps), which form interconnected networks.
• The presence and function of TCs in the ligamentum arteriosum (LA) remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the existence and ultrastructure of telocytes (TCs) within the mice ligamentum arteriosum (LA).
• To explore the potential roles of TCs in intercellular communication and signaling within the LA.

Main Methods:

• Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine the morphology of TCs and their telopodes (Tps).
• Ultrastructural analysis focused on the characteristics of telopodes, including podoms and podomers.
• Observation of extracellular vesicles, exosomes, and cell-cell junctions was conducted.

Main Results:

• The study confirmed the presence of telocytes (TCs) in the mice ligamentum arteriosum (LA) in 2022.
• Telopodes (Tps) exhibited diverse conformations, including ribbon-like segments and tubular structures with dilations (podoms).
• TCs were observed releasing extracellular vesicles and exosomes, communicating with each other via adherens junctions, and interacting with myocytes and nerve terminals.

Conclusions:

• Telocytes (TCs) are present in the mice ligamentum arteriosum (LA), characterized by their unique telopodes (Tps).
• TCs may play a role in intercellular signaling, communication, and neuromodulation within the LA.
• Understanding TC involvement could offer insights into LA pathologies like structural remodeling.