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Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Acute Brain Trauma in Mice Followed By Longitudinal Two-photon Imaging
Published on: April 6, 2014
[The SEM observation of brain tissues and vascular corrosion cast of closed diffuse brain injuries]
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Jilin Medical College, Jilin 132001, P. R. China.
Abstract:
The morphologic changes of the closed injured brain of rats were observed by SEM. The rats either died immediately after conclusive injuries or were killed after 5 minutes to 5 days after injuries. The main changes were as follows: the diffuse disorder, twist, wave-like distortion and break of neuron fibers; axonal swelling; formation of axonal retraction balls; stripping and denotation of myelin sheath The ball-like swelling of neuron, break of neuron membrane and vascular wall, and microthrombus formations were also observed. These damages worsened with prolongation of surviving time of the rats. The axonal retraction ball appeared 8 hours after the injury and was approximately 3-5 cm in diameter, and developed to 7-8 cm after 3-5 days. It is observed that frontal lobe, cerebellum and brain stem were severely damaged.
Insights
Closed brain injuries in rats cause severe neuron fiber damage, axonal swelling, and retraction balls, worsening over time. Frontal lobe, cerebellum, and brain stem are most affected.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
Context:
- Investigating the microscopic consequences of closed head trauma in a rodent model.
- Utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to visualize cellular and subcellular changes.
Purpose:
- To document and characterize the morphological alterations in brain tissue following closed injury.
- To establish a timeline for the development of specific neuropathological features.
Summary:
- Closed brain injuries induce diffuse neuronal fiber damage, including twisting and breakage.
- Axonal swelling, myelin sheath stripping, and the formation of axonal retraction balls are prominent findings.
- Cerebral microvascular damage, including vascular wall rupture and microthrombus formation, occurs.
- Neuropathological changes escalate with prolonged survival times post-injury, with significant damage observed in the frontal lobe, cerebellum, and brain stem.
Impact:
- Provides detailed ultrastructural insights into the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Establishes a temporal progression of cellular damage, aiding in the understanding of TBI mechanisms.
- Highlights critical brain regions vulnerable to closed head trauma, informing future research and therapeutic strategies.
