Periphery of ethylnitrosourea-induced spinal gliomas in rats with special reference to the vascular structure

The histology and ultrastructure of ten spinal cord gliomas, mainly oligodendrogliomas, induced transplacentally in rat with ethylnitrosourea were studied. The characteristic feature of seven spinal tumours was distinct delineation of neoplastic tissue from the edematous surrounding zone by a ring of irregular, proliferating capillaries, among which immature capillary buds prevailed. The alterations were proliferation of endothelium with endothelial overlapping, elongation of interendothelial junctions and enhancement of pinocytotic vesicles on luminal and abluminal surfaces. The basal membranes, besides other changes, were often replaced by some floccular condensations. In the edematous zone the capillary walls were deprived of contact with glial processes. The lack of contact between astrocytic processes and vascular wall may contribute to the persistent immature state of peripheral capillaries.