DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2025.v13i06.014

Pages: 1321-1325

Objective: To investigate the morphological ultrastructure of mesenteric lymphatic vessels in mice. Methods: Fourteen male Kunming mice (6–8 weeks old, 18–22 g) were subjected to a 24-hour fasting period with unrestricted access to water, followed by a high-fat/cholesterol diet (comprising egg yolk and fat) 2 hours prior to sample collection. Mesenteric lymphatic vessels were harvested under microscopy for subsequent histological and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Results: The mesenteric lymphatic vessels were characterized by small diameters, thin walls composed of three distinct layers, and the presence of multiple intraluminal valves. The ultrastructure of the intima and adventitia was observed to be similar. The intima consisted of a single layer of endothelial cells with discontinuous basement membranes, and no smooth muscle cells were detected in the media. The adventitia was composed of connective tissue, including collagen fibers and fibroblasts. Conclusions: This study provides a detailed delineation of the ultrastructure of murine mesenteric lymphatic vessels, contributing to the morphological understanding of this system.