Scanning electron-microscopic study of the surface characteristics of neoplastic endothelial cells of blood vessels.

The morphological surface characteristics of neoplastic endothelial cells of blood vessels induced by oral administration of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride in mice were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The interconnecting vascular channels were lined by malignant endothelial cells which formed bridges, cord-like structures and had extended cytoplasmic processes which made the network more intricate. The endothelial cells were often in close approximation to each other and exhibited irregular growth patterns and orientation. The cell surface displayed a rugged, terrace-like microcontour of elevations, depressions, blebs and nodular structures. These findings correlate with the earlier morphological observation obtained by transmission electron microscopy.