Revascularization of the freely grafted extensor digitorum longus muscle in the rat

The process of revascularization of free grafts of the extensor digitorum longus muscle in rats has been studied by gross, histological and electron microscopic methods. During the first day after transplantation the muscle is entirely avascular, and it consists of a thin peripheral zone of surviving muscle fibers and a large central area of ischemic muscle. The original blood vessels of the graft undergo a sequence of intrinsic and cell-mediated destruction. Scattered sinusoidal vessels begin to grow into the graft starting on the second day, and ingrowing blood vessels progressively invade the deeper tissues of the graft. Most new vessels form in the connective tissues, but some vessels, especially larger ones, grow into persisting basal laminae from preexisting fibers and nerves. The differentiation of new arterioles and venules in free muscle grafts is described. By the end of the first week, the entire graft is revascularized, and ultimately a fairly normal relationship between new capillaries and regenerating muscle fibers is established. In mature grafts, however, irregularities are sometimes found in the organization of smooth muscle cells associated with larger vessels.