Histomorphometric characteristics of peritoneal blood microvessels.

We assessed histological characteristics and sex related differences in morphometric parameters of healthy persons' peritoneal blood vessels. Eighteen samples of parietal peritoneum were collected from 11 healthy persons with elective abdominal surgery, 6 males and 5 females, age range 44-58. Tissue samples were prepared for light and transmission electron microscopy. Morphometric parameters of peritoneal blood vessels were determined by analySIS 3.1 Soft Imaging System GMbH. We directly measured outer and lumen diameter, and outer and lumen surface on blood vessels transversal sections. Wall thickness, lumen diameter-wall thickness ratio, blood vessels numerical density and peritoneal tissue surface under blood vessels were calculated subsequently. Results were statistically analysed with Student T test. Mostly true and venous capillaries were observed. Endothelial citoplasm showed numerous mitochondria, ribosomes and pinocytotic vesicles, prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum, well-developed Golgi complex, and predominantly euchromatic nuclei. No statistically significant differences were found between male and female subjects in any of the investigated variables, rphometric characteristics of pelvic peritoneal blood vessels did not show gender related differences.