1988 Volume 13 Issue 3 Pages 290-307
The relationship between permeability and morphology of the endothelial cells on the tumor blood vessels treated with heparin and hydrocortisone in the hamster tongue carcinoma induced by DMBA was discussed. Heparin (30mg/kg) and hydrocortisone (100mg/kg) were administered daily for one week. Tannic acid solution as a tracer was injected into the vascular system via the cardia, and then a fixative solution was perfused. The permeability and structure of endothelial cells in the tumor blood vessels were observed by transmission electron microscopy.
In two groups of golden hamster, physiological saline and heparin were injected. Some of endothelial cells which were irregular in shape had many existing luminal projections. A large amount of tannic acid leaked through those intercellular junctions. These endothelial cells were inactive because there were few organellae; there were also destructive findings in the hydrocortisone-injected group. The cells were spindle in shape with few luminal projections, and substantial amount of tannic acid leaked through the intercellular space.
From the above-mentioned results, it is suggested that tannic acid leaked readily through the intercellular space between the active endothelial cells in the saline and heparin-injected groups, and through the intercellular space between the inactive cells in the hydrocortisone injected group.