Endothelin-positive Mast Cells in Porcine Renal Artery and Vein

For a first time the endothelin (ET)-positive mast cells were examined in the wall of kidney renal artery and vein. The specimen's were collected from six 8-month-old Danmark Landrace pigs, immediately after slaughtering. Mast cells immunopositive to ET granules were observed in the wall of both artery and vein. In the renal artery, they were found mostly between the media and the adventitia. Some mast cells were found in the media, next to smooth muscle cells. Relatively few mast cells were found in the intima and between intima and tunica media. In the renal vein a smaller number of mast cells were observed. They showed similar localization as in the renal artery. Immunopositive mast cells were established also close to endothelial cells - mostly between internal elastic membrane and basal membrane of the endothelium. In conclusion, on the basis of obtained results, presumptions for active participation of ET (most probably mainly ET-1) in the motility of the vessels' smooth muscle and for stimulation of nitric oxide release from the intimal endothelial cells were made.