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Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Published on: May 18, 2010
Sudanophilic lipid accumulation in astrocytes in periventricular leukomalacia in monkeys
Abstract:
Sudanophilic lipid accumulation is a characteristic feature of periventircular leukomalacia (PVL) of infants. At least two types of lipid-containing cells have been identified, one being the macrophage, the other the "pre-myelin glial cell". A third type of lipid-containing cell has been seen in two monkeys with spontaneous PVL. Electron microscopically this cell appears to be an astrocyte. This probably represents a reaction of the astrocyte to hypoxia and may be the equivalent of the "hypertrophic" astrocytes found in human infants.
Insights
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in infants involves lipid accumulation in macrophages and glial cells. A third cell type, likely an astrocyte, also shows lipid accumulation in response to hypoxia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a common form of brain injury in preterm infants.
- Lipid accumulation, specifically Sudanophilic material, is a hallmark of PVL pathology.
- Previous studies identified macrophages and pre-myelin glial cells as lipid-laden in PVL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular sources of Sudanophilic lipid accumulation in periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
- To identify novel cell types involved in the pathological response to hypoxic injury in the infant brain.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of infant brain tissue with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
- Sudanophilic staining to identify lipid-rich cells.
- Electron microscopy to characterize the ultrastructure of lipid-containing cells.
- Comparative analysis with spontaneous PVL in non-human primates.
Main Results:
- Confirmed lipid accumulation in macrophages and pre-myelin glial cells in infant PVL.
- Identified a third type of lipid-containing cell in two monkeys with spontaneous PVL.
- Electron microscopy revealed this third cell type to be an astrocyte.
- Hypothesized that these lipid-laden astrocytes represent a reactive response to hypoxia.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes can accumulate Sudanophilic lipids in response to hypoxic injury, as observed in periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
- This astrocyte response may be analogous to the "hypertrophic" astrocytes seen in human infants with PVL.
- The findings expand the understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying white matter injury in neonates.
