Intralobular lymphatics in the guinea pig pancreas were demonstrated
enzyme-histochemically showing the
extent, distribution and fine structure by combined light and
transmission electron microscopy. 5′-nucleotidase(5′-Nase)-positive
lymphatic vessels were present throughout the pancreas. Intralobular
lymphatics among the acini were comparatively rare and generally independent
of the blood capillaries,
pancreatic ducts and acini. These lymphatics revealed the usual
structural features, such as typical
intercellular junctions and very tenuous vascular walls without continuous
basal laminae. Fine precipitates
of the cerium-based reaction product for 5′-Nase activity
were found to be associated with cell membranes
of the lymphatic endothelium and pinocytotic vesicles. Lymphatics were
not closely related to the endocrine
islets, although alkaline phosphatase(ALPase)-positive blood capillaries
were well developed. Collecting
lymphatic vessels with valves with weaker 5′-Nase activity
were also detected in the interlobular connective
tissue. ALPase activity, absent in the lymphatics, was positive
in the blood capillaries, suggesting that it is
also a useful way of demonstrating, histochemically, the blood
capillaries in the guinea pig pancreas.