[Changes in the surface and cytoskeletal apparatus of the endotheliocytes of the rat aorta during division (based on scanning electron microscopic data)].

Endothelium of the abdominal aorta of 32 KWR-line rats was exposed to freeze injury. En face preparations were made to look for endothelial cells (EC) on different stages of mitosis. Specimens were dried by critical point technique, and the grid was placed on their surface. Then specimens were investigated in succession with light and scanning electron microscopes. The cytoskeleton of EC was investigated on detergent-extracting preparations. It is shown that the end of phase S of the cell cycle and the beginning of prophase are characterized with the lifting of the nuclear-containing zone. Fine microvilli appear on the EC surface during prophase. The cytoskeleton becomes more structured and polarized. During metaphase, EC becomes spherical, its microvilli are shortened. Fine cytoplasmic shoots are seen to extend from the cell poles to the substratum. The density of the fibrillar structures swiftly rise. During anaphase the EC surface is covered with blebs. During late telophase the surface of dividing EC becomes flatter. Their nuclei are connected with rare bundles of fibrillar structures. Mechanisms of EC surface changes during mitosis and the role of cytoskeletal elements are discussed.