Circulatory pattern and structure in the tail and tail fins of Xenopus laevis tadpoles

This investigation was initiated with the intent of study capillary sprouting in the tadpole tail fin microcirculation of the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, using a combination of intravital video recordings and electron microscopy. The tadpoles were observed daily for periods up to one hour during one to two weeks. The capillary sprouts originated mostly from postcapillary venules, and within 24-48 h merged with other capillary sprouts, subsequently establishing a capillary loop with blood flow. As the circulatory patterns developed further, capillary regressions also occurred. As the electron microscope analyses of the capillary sprouts progressed, it became obvious that a thorough electron microscope study of the blood vessels of the tadpoles was required in order to explore structural characteristics of arterial and venous blood vessels. Thus, this article deals primarily with the general organization of the tadpole tail circulation, and the ultrastructural characteristics of the vascular walls. A subsequent article will deal with the role of endothelial cells, fibroblasts and pericytes in the process of capillary sprouting and regression, based on intravital recordings and electron microscope analyses.