• Applied Microscopy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 1982

A number of recent ultrastructural studies have shown marked differences between the two lining cell types in adult liver sinusoids, endothelial cells and Kupffer cells. In the present study, the ultrastructural features and electron microscopic cytochemistry of sinusoidal lining cells in the fetal liver were studied through fetal period to neonate in the rat. At fetal period, the sinusoid, which contains various blood component, in lined by the endothelial cells, the Kupffer cells and the fat storing cells that located in the space of Disse. As gestation proceeded, these eel's are arranged as adult liver sinusoids. The sinusoidal wall appears to be discontinuous with open fenestration between endothelial cells, but no basal lamina can observed. It seems to be morphologically and functionally distinct at the early gestation between the endothelial cells and the Kupffer cells, the latter showing marked phagocytized activity. The fat storing cells, which contain several fat droplets, are located in the space of Disse. Ultrastructural localization of the acid and alkaline phosphatase activity were noted on the sinusoidal lining cells.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.62-70
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• 1995

Rat liver sinusoids were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The sinusoids were provided with fenestrations which were divided into three types; small, medium-sized and large. The small fenestrations were usually gathered into clusters. The medium-sized fenestrations were either individually organized or in the cluster of small fenestrations. The large fenestrations were usually accompanied by small or medium-sized fenestrations. The lobule was divided into three zones; peripheral, intermediate and central, according to the distribution pattern of the fenestrations. The sinusoid providing with small fenestrations (type I) were predominant in the peripheral zone. The sinusoid showing medium-sized fenestrations (type II) were frequently observed in the central zone. The sinusoid having large fenestrations (type III) were abundant in the intermediate zone. This evidence indicate that the sinusoidal fenestrations become larger toward the intermediate zone from the peripheral zone of the lobule and progressively smaller toward the central zone. However, the fenestrations observed in the central zone seem to be larger than those seen in the peripheral zone of the lobule.