[Polypoid cushions of arterial vessels and their role in control of regional blood circulation].

ABSTRACT

This work presents the results of studies of polypoid cushions (PC). For elucidation of their structure, morphogenesis and functions, a complex of histological, histochemical, morphometric and experimental methods was used. It was demonstrated that PC could be detected in the arteries of heart, lungs, kidneys, brain and the organs of digestive tract in humans and some animals species except the vessells of the minor circle. PC were found at different levels of vascular bed with the exception of microcirculatory vessels. They were situated in places of arterial branching and sometimes were combined with intimal musculature and musculo-elastic sphincters. Three types of PC were distinguished, which differed in their histological structure. It was shown that the number of PC increased significantly in the cases of circulation disturbances, indicating the importance of hemodynamic factor in their development. The functional role of these structures might be associated with the regulation of regional blood circulation by blocking blood flow and its redistribution within the vascular bed in accordance with the requirements of the organ at a particular moment.