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Measurement of cerebral microvessel diameters after embolic stroke in rat using quantitative laser scanning confocal
D C Morris1, K Davies, Z Zhang
1Henry Ford Health Sciences Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
Abstract:
Perfusion of the microcirculation after stroke is central to preserving neuronal function and improving functional outcome. Using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and a novel computer software program, MIRAGE, we measured a reduction in cerebral microvessel diameter after 1 and 4 h of embolic middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. The methodology used by MIRAGE for measurement of blood vessel diameter involves a linearly applied spherical inflation technique. Three-dimensional quantitative analysis revealed a significant (P<0.05) mean 10-12% reduction in vessel diameter in the ipsilateral cortex when compared to the homologous region in the contralateral hemisphere. This reduction was seen only in the cortex and not the striatum. A larger reduction in mean vessel diameter in the ipsilateral cortex, 16-30% (P<0.05) was observed when compared to sham control rats. These results are in strong agreement with other studies using different stroke models and imaging techniques. Our work represents a novel application of LSCM technology to the three dimensional investigation of microvessel diameter changes in acute stroke and identifies its potential as an important tool for investigation of cerebral pathology.
Insights
Stroke causes reduced cerebral microvessel diameter, impacting brain function. New imaging techniques reveal significant blood vessel constriction in the cortex following middle cerebral artery occlusion.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cerebrovascular Research
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cerebral microcirculation perfusion is critical for neuronal function and recovery after stroke.
- Understanding microvessel diameter changes is essential for stroke research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify changes in cerebral microvessel diameter following embolic middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion using novel imaging techniques.
- To investigate the spatial distribution of microvessel diameter reduction in acute stroke.
Main Methods:
- Utilized laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) for high-resolution imaging of brain microvasculature.
- Employed a novel computer software program, MIRAGE, with a spherical inflation technique for quantitative 3D analysis of blood vessel diameter.
- Compared microvessel diameter in the ipsilateral cortex and striatum against the contralateral hemisphere and sham controls in a rat stroke model.
Main Results:
- A significant 10-12% reduction in mean cerebral microvessel diameter was observed in the ipsilateral cortex at 1 and 4 hours post-MCA occlusion compared to the contralateral hemisphere.
- This reduction was specific to the cortex and not observed in the striatum.
- A larger mean vessel diameter reduction of 16-30% was noted in the ipsilateral cortex compared to sham controls.
Conclusions:
- Embolic MCA occlusion leads to significant vasoconstriction in the cerebral cortex.
- LSCM combined with MIRAGE software provides a powerful tool for 3D investigation of microvessel diameter changes in acute stroke.
- This methodology has potential for advancing the study of cerebral pathology in stroke.