Rat Choroid Plexus Blood Vessels: Morphometric Characteristics Krvni Sudovi Horoidnog Pleksusa Pacova: Morfometrijske Karakteristike

The choroid plexus consists of epithelial cells, fenestrated blood vessels, and the stroma, dependent on various physiological or pathological conditions. In the present study morphometrical investigations of the rat choroid blood vessels during development (1, 1.5, 2, 4, 7, 10, 13 and 22 months) were carried out. The vessels number and luminal diameter of the blood vessels divided in four subgroups were measured. Morphometric investigations were performed on semithin toluidine blue stained sections examined with the light microscope using a combined square grid system calibrated for stereological estimations. The statistical significant changes were observed in the luminal diameter of capillaries in the young rats in comparison to adult rats. Blood vessels with luminal diameter >30 μm have been found for the first time in rats aged 2 months. The capillaries number was reduced by 20% during development. Changes of the rat choroid plexus during development, characterized by reduction of the capillaries and atrophy of epithelial cells, are evidence of initial degeneration and could result in decreased choroid plexus secretory and transport functions.