Development of the origin of the coronary arteries, a matter of ingrowth or outgrowth? (original) (raw)

Summary

Inconsistencies still exist with regard to the exact mode of development of proximal coronary arteries and coronary orifices. In this regard 15 quail embryos were investigated using a monoclonal anti-endothelium antibody, enabling a detailed study of the development of endothelium-lined vasculature. Coronary orifices emerged at 7–9 days of incubation (Zacchei stages 24–26) and were invariably present at 10 days of incubation (Zacchei stage 27).

We never observed more than 2 coronary orifices; these were always single in either of the facing sinuses of the aorta. A coronary orifice was always observed being connected to an already developed proximal coronary artery, which belonged to a peritruncal ring of coronary arterial vasculature. We did not find any coronary orifice without a connection to a proximal coronary artery. Moreover, at 7–9 days of incubation (Zacchei stages 24–26) we observed coronary arteries from the peritruncal ring penetrating the aortic media. In 2 specimen this coronary artery, with a lumen, was in contact with the still intact endothelial lining of the aorta.

We conclude that coronary arteries do not grow out of the aorta, but grow into the aorta from the peritruncal ring of coronary arterial vasculature. This throws new light on normal and abnormal development of proximal coronary arteries and coronary orifices.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Thoracic Surgery, Thoraxcenter, University Hospital Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
    A. J. J. C. Bogers
  2. Department of Anatomy and Embryology, State University, Leiden, The Netherlands
    A. J. J. C. Bogers, A. C. Gittenberger-de Groot & R. E. Poelmann
  3. Institut d'Embryologie du CNRS et du College de France, Nogent-sur-Marne, France
    B. M. Péault
  4. Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands
    H. A. Huysmans

Authors

  1. A. J. J. C. Bogers
  2. A. C. Gittenberger-de Groot
  3. R. E. Poelmann
  4. B. M. Péault
  5. H. A. Huysmans

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bogers, A.J.J.C., Gittenberger-de Groot, A.C., Poelmann, R.E. et al. Development of the origin of the coronary arteries, a matter of ingrowth or outgrowth?.Anat Embryol 180, 437–441 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00305118

Download citation

Key words