Ultrastructure of the microvasculature in experimental cerebral infarction

Summary Structural evaluation of cerebral infarction in twelve squirrel monkeys was conducted for the purpose of elucidating some aspects of the pathogenesis of regional cerebral ischemia.The changes observed first were interpreted as indicative of alterations in the permeability of the vascular walls. It is suggested that during the early stages of infarction, emigration of fluid, particles and cells may occur in a transendothelial fashion. Arguments to prove the preservation of the microcirculation within the infarcted area are presented.Hypoxemia, as judged by the relative structural integrity of mitochondria, does not seem to be the most important pathogenetic factor in the development of cerebral ischemic necrosis.This work was conducted during the author's tenure at the Cerebrovascular Research Center of the University of Tennessee Medical Units; it was partially supported by USPHS Grants HE 11794 and NS 06826.