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Myoendothelial junctional complexes in postobstructive pulmonary vasculopathy: a quantitative electron microscopic
R P Michel1, F Hu, B O Meyrick
1Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Experimental Lung Research
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Postobstructive pulmonary vasculopathy (POPV) involves increased myoendothelial junctional complexes (MEJC) in lung vasculature. These changes may contribute to vessel remodeling and hyperreactivity in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Vascular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Postobstructive pulmonary vasculopathy (POPV) is a condition resulting from chronic unilateral pulmonary artery ligation.
- POPV is characterized by bronchial collateral vessel proliferation, increased pulmonary vascular resistance, and vascular hyperreactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of myoendothelial junctional complexes (MEJC) in the development of POPV.
- To quantify the changes in MEJC in the pulmonary and bronchial vasculature of dogs with POPV.
Main Methods:
- 16 dogs underwent chronic unilateral ligation of the left main pulmonary artery.
- Lungs were fixed, and electron micrographs were taken of various vessels.
- MEJC were counted, categorized, and correlated with vascular dimensions.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in MEJC was observed in all examined vessel types in the POPV lungs compared to control lungs.
- No significant change in the distribution of MEJC types was found.
- No correlation was identified between MEJC number and vascular diameter.
Conclusions:
- MEJC are significantly increased in the lung vasculature in POPV.
- Increased MEJC may play a role in bronchial vascular proliferation, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and hyperreactivity in POPV.