Enzyme-histochemical study on postnatal development of rat stomach lymphatic vessels

Postnatal development of rat gastric lymphatics was studied by an enzyme-histochemical method to elucidate the morphological changes of lymphatics and their relationship to maturation and function, especially in the glandular portion. The significant features of 5'-Nase-positive lymphatics in distribution and structure were examined in different stages (within 24 hr, 4-21 days, and 2 months). Lymphatics in the greater curvature and anterior wall grew much slower than those in the lesser curvature and posterior wall of the stomach in newborn and infant rats. Lymphatic islands isolated from the primary lymphatic networks in the submucosa and subserosa underwent a morphological change during this early period. This is considered one of the basic steps in lymphatic development. Occurrence of lymphatic networks in the deep lamina propria indicates that development in the gastric wall is well characterized from Day 10. With further growth and modification of lymphatics, the networks in the different layers formed an extensive communication network and many lymphatic valves were found in the submucosa and subserosa. Pinocytotic vesicles, open junctions, and intraendothelial channels were frequently detected in the mucosal and submucosal lymphatic networks of the corpus-antrum and antrum-duodenum divisional zones in the adult rats. These findings suggest that developing lymphatics in the rat stomach may represent rapidly growing tissue not only with high 5'-Nase activity but also with high adaptability for future physiological demands.