[Ultrastructural changes in endothelial cells in rabbits with multiple organ failure (MOF)]

The morphological lesions of endothelial cells in rabbits with MOF were studied by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TME). The edges of the cells were blurred in the MOF groups. TEM showed that the nuclei were irregular and the mitochondria were swollen. The results indicated that the vascular endothelial cells were injured in rabbits with MOF in various extent. Administration of vitamin E in the early stage seemed beneficial in protecting the endothelial cell in this event.