[Ultrastructural bases for the action of the endotoxin on endothelial cells].

During the intermediate period of endotoxin shock in dogs, endothelial cells were isolated and the slides with desquamated endotheliocytes were explored. Besides, a study was made of the ultrastructure of the arterioles and sinusoidal capillaries of the liver. A six-fold increase in their quantity in the slides was established and the pattern of alterations in the vessels of varying diameter was specified. It is assumed that in the mechanism of injury a definite role is played by the direct action of endotoxin and biologically active substances.