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Feulgen reaction study of novel threadlike structures (Bonghan ducts) on the surfaces of mammalian organs
Author(s) -
Shin HakSoo,
Johng HyeonMin,
Lee ByungCheon,
Cho SungIl,
Soh KyungSoon,
Baik KuYoun,
Yoo JungSun,
Soh KwangSup
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
the anatomical record part b: the new anatomist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1552-4914
pISSN - 1552-4906
DOI - 10.1002/ar.b.20061
Subject(s) - feulgen stain , anatomy , biology , dna , genetics
Threadlike structures on the surfaces of internal organs, which are thought to be part of the Bonghan duct system, were first reported about 40 years ago, but have been largely ignored since then. Recently, they were rediscovered, and in this study we discuss the Feulgen reaction that specifically stains DNA in order to identify these structures on the surface of rabbit livers as part of the Bonghan system. The distribution, shapes, and sizes of their nuclei are found to be similar to those of intravascular threadlike structures. The endothelial nuclei are rod‐shaped, 10–20 μm long, and aligned in a broken‐line striped fashion. The threadlike structure consists of a bundle of several subducts, which is a characteristic feature of Bonghan ducts and distinguishes them morphologically from lymphatic vessels. In addition, the Feulgen reaction clearly demonstrates that the subducts pass through a corpuscle, which is usually irregular or oval‐shaped and is connected to two or several threadlike structures that form a web on the surfaces of organs. Furthermore, spherical granules of about 1 μm in diameter are detected in the subducts. These granules were well stained by using the Feulgen reaction, which implies that they contain DNA. According to previous reports, a granule is a type of microcell and plays an essential role in the physiology and therapeutic effect of the Bonghan system and acupuncture. This role has yet to be elucidated. Anat Rec (Part B: New Anat) 284B:35–40, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

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