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The human coronary microcirculation: an electron microscopic study

L Sherf, Y Ben-Shaul, Y Lieberman

    The American Journal of Cardiology
    |April 1, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary
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    This study details the ultrastructure of human coronary artery terminal vascular beds. Abnormal precapillary sphincter constriction may contribute to ischemic events in certain heart conditions.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiovascular Biology
    • Vascular Ultrastructure
    • Cardiac Anatomy

    Background:

    • The terminal vascular bed of the heart is crucial for myocardial perfusion.
    • Understanding its microanatomy is key to diagnosing and treating cardiac ischemia.
    • Previous studies have not fully elucidated the ultrastructural details of these vessels in humans.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the ultrastructure of the terminal vascular bed in human coronary arteries.
    • To identify and describe the different vessel types within this network.
    • To correlate structure with potential function in regulating coronary blood flow and ischemia.

    Main Methods:

    • Surgical myocardial tissue samples from five human patients were analyzed.
    • Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of arterioles, precapillary sphincters, capillaries, and venules.

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  • Detailed morphological characteristics of endothelial cells, smooth muscle layers, and surrounding tissues were documented.

    • Main Results:

    • Arterioles exhibit multiple smooth muscle layers, while precapillary sphincters have a single layer and unique endothelial cell morphology.
    • Capillaries consist of single or few endothelial cells, facilitating exchange.
    • Venules are characterized by flat endothelial cells, lack of muscle, and abundant collagen.

    Conclusions:

    • The distinct ultrastructure of human coronary arterioles and precapillary sphincters suggests specialized roles in blood flow regulation.
    • Precapillary sphincters, through myoendothelial junctions and endothelial cell nuclei, appear to actively control capillary blood supply.
    • Dysfunctional precapillary sphincter constriction is hypothesized as a potential mechanism underlying certain ischemic cardiac events.