Repair in arterial tissue. Endothelial regrowth, subendothelial tissue changes and permeability in the healing rabbit thoracic aorta.

The role of the endothelium and subendothelial connective tissue in the permeability of a healing intima was studied by vital staining with Evans blue and transmission electron microscopy after severe mechanical lesion of the rabbit aorta. Reendothelialization, decreasing permeability, and organization of neointimal connective tissue were concomitant events in the healing processes. The determinant factor in decreasing permeability was reendothelialization with the formation of endothelial flaps and junctions. Changes in the subendothelial connective tissue seemed also to be factors that influenced the permeability.