Lymphatic/Blood Endothelial Cell Connections at the Capillary Level in Adult Rat Mesentery

Abstract

Investigating the structural interactions between blood and lymphatic endothelial cells at the microvascular level in adult tissues is critical for understanding how microvascular networks grow and function. In this issue, observations by Robichaux et al. (p. 1629) identify the presence of non‐lumenal lymphatic/blood endothelial cell connections and highlight the potential for endothelial cell plasticity. The cover image illustrates topical BSI‐lectin (orange) labeling of two blood capillary sprouts connecting to a lymphatic vessel. Injected FITC‐albumin (green) identifies that the blood capillary sprout lumens terminate proximal to the lymphatic/blood endothelial cell connection.