Electron microscopic study of experimental acute hypertensive encephalopathy

Summary Electron microscopic examinations were carried out in the brains of cats with acute arterial hypertension produced by intermittent compression of the descending aorta.The ultrastructural changes included swelling of the astrocytic processes, dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum, and slight enlargement of the extracellular space of the white matter. Swelling of the mitochondria with disruption of the cristae was sometimes observed. The extracellular space of the gray matter showed no expansion.The changes in the ultrastructure of the central nervous system in hypertensive and ischemic encephalopathy were found to be very similar. This finding is discussed with special regard to the pathogenesis of acute hypertensive encephalopathy.Supported by research grant NB 03754-06 from the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness.