On the presence and function of closed lymphatic stomata in the diaphragm of the golden hamster

Abstract

The peritoneal surface of the golden hamster diaphragm was examined for closed lymphatic stomata by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and serial sectioning. Closed stomata were absent on SEM but present on serial sectioning. Some closed stomata in the serial sections were reconstructed using a computerized image analysis system. They were less than 10μm in diameter and consisted of an outer mesothelial margin and an inner lymphatic wall. The lymphatic wall was formed by several endothelial cells adjoined with various junctional abutments. The discrepancy of results between SEM and serial sectioning, and the functional aspects of lymphatic stomata are discussed.