Architectural alterations in rat cerebral microvessels after hypobaric hypoxia

We performed 3-dimensional studies of vascular casts of the microvasculature of the cerebral cortex of rats that were exposed to three weeks of hypobaric hypoxia and of control rats. Scanning electron microscopy of the casts gave the qualitative impression of increased vascularity of the cerebral cortex, particularly the deeper layers, in hypoxic rats. Quantitative analysis of capillary segment lengths revealed a significant shift in the frequency distribution to longer lengths (from 77 ± 8 to 90 ± 14 μm) in the deep, but not in the superficial, layers of the cerebral cortex of hypoxic rats. These findings agree with previous results reporting increased capillary density in the brain after exposure to prolonged hypobaric hypoxia and suggest that capillary segment elongation plays a role in the increased capillary density in the deeper layers of the cerebral cortex.     

Intracerebral vascular occlusion in familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a case report of two siblings

Neuropathological findings in two siblings with familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FEL) are reported. Case 1 showed the typical neuropathological findings of FEL with lymphohistiocytic infiltration of the leptomeninges and perivascular spaces. A characteristic erythrophagocytosis was detected in inguinal lymph nodes, lung and bone marrow. Case 2 revealed calcification and necrotic lesions in the brain. In the necrotic areas, parenchymal calcification, vascular medial calcification, and occlusion of many vessels due to subendothelial fibrosis were detected. The areas of necrosis correlated with the distribution of occluded vessels. These changes were most prominent in putamen, internal capsule, thalamus and dentate nucleus. Hypercytokinemia is suspected to be the underlying mechanism for the clinical and laboratory findings in patients with FEL, although the relationship to the vascular pathology is unclear.     

Whistling face syndrome: MR imaging findings in the brain

Whistling face syndrome or cranio-carpotarsal dysplasia is a very rare disorder that consists of a characteristics facies and digital abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging investigation of the brain in this syndrome has not been reported previously. This communication describes the brain malformations in an infant with the syndrome, which covered delayed myelination, thickened and infolded cortices (cortical dysplasia), dysplastic corpus callosum, and agenesis of the inferior vermis.     

Brain MR imaging in patients with hepatic cirrhosis: relationship between high intensity signal in basal ganglia on T1-weighted images and elemental concentrations in brain

In patients with hepatic cirrhosis, the globus pallidus and putamen show high intensity on T1-weighted MRI. While the causes of this high signal have been thought to include paramagnetic substances, especially manganese, no evidence for this has been presented. Autopsy in four cases of hepatic cirrhosis permitted measurement of metal concentrations in brain and histopathological examination. In three cases the globus pallidus showed high intensity on T1-weighted images. Mean manganese concentrations in globus pallidus, putamen and frontal white matter were 3.03 ± 0.38, 2.12 ± 0.37, and 1.38 ± 0.24 (μg/g wet weight), respectively, being approximately four- to almost ten-fold the normal values. Copper concentrations in globus pallidus and putamen were also high, 50 % more than normal. Calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium concentrations were all normal. The fourth case showed no abnormal intensity in the basal ganglia and brain metal concentrations were all normal. Histopathologically, cases with showing high signal remarkable atrophy, necrosis, and deciduation of nerve cells and proliferation of glial cells and microglia in globus pallidus. These findings were similar to those in chronic manganese poisoning. On T1-weighted images, copper deposition shows no abnormal intensity. It is therefore inferred that deposition of highly concentrations of manganese may caused high signal on T1-weighted images and nerve cell death in the globus pallidus. Received: 12 August 1996 Accepted: 17 December 1996     

Multiple subcortical haemorrhages following lumbar metrizamide myelography

Summary The case is presented of a patient showing multiple subcortical haemorrhages after lumbar metrizamide myelography. This complication after intrathecally administered metrizamide contrast medium appears not to have been reported before. Several different possible explanations are proposed for the phenomena observed in this case.     

Amplification of the c-erbB oncogene is associated with malignancy in primary tumours of neuroepithelial tissue

Summary In various primary brain tumours of neuroepithelial tissue recombinant DNA techniques were used to demonstrate changes of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, which is homologous to the c-erbB oncogene. Twenty-one of 40 grade III/IV tumours, but only 1 of 16 grade I/II tumours were found to contain amplified and/or rearranged c-erbB sequences. This highly significant difference suggest that c-erbB amplification, rearrangement, or both, are important steps in malignant transformation in a subset of patients with neuroepithelial tumours.     

MMP-2、TIMP-2在脑胶质瘤中的表达及其意义

目的 分析MMP-2、TIMP-2的表达与脑胶质瘤恶性程度和侵袭性之间的关系。方法 采用免疫组化和原位杂交的方法,检测42例人脑胶质瘤和8例正常脑组织中,MMP-2 mRNA、MMP-2和TIMP-2蛋白表达。结果 MMP-2蛋白表达水平(LI)与肿瘤的分级呈正相关(r=0.872,P<0.01);Ⅲ、Ⅳ级与正常脑组织、Ⅰ～Ⅱ级之间均有显著的差异(P<0.01)。MMP-2mRNA表达与肿瘤的分级同样呈正相关(P<0.01);Ⅲ、Ⅳ级与正常脑组织、Ⅰ～Ⅱ级之间均有显著的差异(P<0.01)。MMP-2蛋白表达增高时TIMP-2蛋白表达也增高;但随着肿瘤恶性程度的增加,TIMP-2表达强度增加的幅度较MMP-2明显减缓。结论 MMP-2的高表达与脑胶质瘤恶性程度呈正相关;TIMP-2与MMP-2间的平衡失调与脑胶质瘤的侵袭性和恶性程度密切相关。     

Synopses of Posters Presented at the International Workshop on Brain Uptake and Utilization of Fatty Acids,Lipids, and Lipoproteins: Application to Neurological Disorders

Thirty-five posters were presented at the Workshop on Brain Uptake And Utilization Of Fatty Acids, Lipids, and Lipoproteins. They were grouped into four categories: (1) mechanisms of lipid uptake and transport to the brain, (2) lipoproteins and polyunsaturated fatty acids, (3) eicosanoids in brain function, and (4) fatty acids and lipids in brain disorders. This article summarizes the highlights of the research presented in these posters. The individual abstracts follow these synopses.     

Temporal Lobe Epileptogenesis and Epilepsy in the Developing Brain: Bridging the Gap Between the Laboratory and the Clinic. Progression, But in What Direction?

Summary:  The origins of human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis are still not well understood. Hippocampal sclerosis and temporal lobe epileptogenesis involve a series of pathologies including hippocampal neuronal loss and gliosis, axonal reorganization, and maybe hippocampal neoneurogenesis. However, the causality of these events is unclear as well as their relation to the factors that may precipitate epileptogenesis. Significant differences between temporal lobe epileptogenesis in the adult and immature brain may require differential approaches. Hereditary factors also may participate in some cases of hippocampal sclerosis. The key point is to identify the significance of these age-dependent changes and to design preventive treatments. Novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis may include rational use of neuroprotective agents, hormonotherapy, immunizations, and immunotherapy.