A hydrophobic oligolamellar lining to the vascular lumen in some organs.

Various endothelial surfaces from sheep and humans have been studied for their hydrophobicity using a standard method based on the angle of contact (theta) of the surface with a droplet of saline placed on it. Most surfaces were relatively hydrophilic (theta less than 25 degrees) but some were distinctly hydrophobic with theta exceeding 65 degrees for sheep pulmonary vein, left ventricle, and aorta, and human umbilical vein. These results are discussed as compatible with the theory that surface-active phospholipid (surfactant) migrates from lung tissue into the pulmonary circulation or reaches intravascular sites from other sources. Transmission electron microscopy of cerebral vessels demonstrated an oligolamellar lining of surfactant on many endothelial surfaces, bridging the "tight" junctions between endothelial cells in many cases. Lamellar bodies were found adjacent to the endothelium. The oligolamellar surfactant lining and lamellar bodies are discussed as potentially very important factors in influencing bubble formation on vessel walls. It is believed to impart hydrophobicity while it could also determine the microgeometry of any crevices vital for bubble formation or retention.