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Department of Zoology, Electron Microscopy Unit, University of Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The endothelial surface topography of the thoracic aorta of the one-humped camel (Crnelus dromedarius) was examined for the first time by scanning electron microscopy using several preparatory techniques. Critical point drying with C0₂ as the transition liquid and goldpalladium coating in a sputtering device gave superior results with better preservation of microvilli. The findings from this study were compared with those described in other mammalian species. The luminal surface of the thoracic aorta was lined by a continuous sheet of endothelial cells densely populated with microvilli. The microvilli or microappendages were approximately 100-150 nm in diameter. Some of the projections showed knob-like processes. The fine structure observed in camel aorta is generally in agreement with our findings in the aorta of guinea-pig, rabbit and human. The intercellular bridges and hair-like processes on the endothelial surfaces reported in other species were not discernible in the camel aorta.