Structural organization of lymphatics in the monkey esophagus as revealed by enzyme-histochemistry

The fine structure and distribution of lymphatic vessels in the monkey esophageal wall were studied by light and electron microscopy using an enzyme-histochemical method. Identification of lymphatics was made by 5'-nucleotidase staining, whereas blood vessels were visualized by alkaline phosphatase staining. This technique revealed intramural lymphatic networks in the mucosa, submucosa, and myenteric layer of the esophagus. The organization of lymphatics in the esophagus basically conformed to that of the small intestine, although they showed certain distribution patterns peculiar to the esophagus. The lamina propria mucosae exhibited a double-layered lymphatic network, and lymphatic capillaries extended into its papillae. Despite their forming blind ends and being closed by endothelial cells, the lymphatics in the mucosal papillae were found to contain lymphocytes in their lumen. This suggests that free cells might penetrate the endothelium to enter these initial portions of the lymphatics.