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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: June 8, 2017
Scanning electron microscopy of the neuropathology of murine cerebral malaria
Peter Lackner1, Ronny Beer, Raimund Helbok
1Clinical Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria. peter.lackner@i-med.ac.at
Background:
The mechanisms leading to death and functional impairments due to cerebral malaria (CM) are yet not fully understood. Most of the knowledge about the pathomechanisms of CM originates from studies in animal models. Though extensive histopathological studies of the murine brain during CM are existing, alterations have not been visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) so far. The present study investigates the neuropathological features of murine CM by applying SEM.
Methods:
C57BL/6J mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA blood stages. When typical symptoms of CM developed perfused brains were processed for SEM or light microscopy, respectively.
Results:
Ultrastructural hallmarks were disruption of vessel walls, parenchymal haemorrhage, leukocyte sequestration to the endothelium, and diapedesis of macrophages and lymphocytes into the Virchow-Robin space. Villous appearance of observed lymphocytes were indicative of activated state. Cerebral oedema was evidenced by enlargement of perivascular spaces.
Conclusion:
The results of the present study corroborate the current understanding of CM pathophysiology, further support the prominent role of the local immune system in the neuropathology of CM and might expose new perspectives for further interventional studies.
Insights
Scanning electron microscopy revealed key ultrastructural changes in murine cerebral malaria (CM), including vessel wall disruption and leukocyte infiltration, offering new insights into CM pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Immunology
- Malariology
Background:
- Mechanisms of death and functional impairments in cerebral malaria (CM) remain incompletely understood.
- Current knowledge primarily stems from animal models, with limited ultrastructural analysis of the murine brain.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has not been previously applied to study CM neuropathology in mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuropathological features of murine CM using SEM.
- To visualize ultrastructural alterations in the brain during CM.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6J mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA.
- Brains were processed for SEM and light microscopy upon CM symptom development.
- Ultrastructural analysis focused on identifying pathological hallmarks.
Main Results:
- Identified ultrastructural hallmarks include disrupted vessel walls and parenchymal hemorrhage.
- Observed leukocyte sequestration to the endothelium and diapedesis of immune cells into Virchow-Robin spaces.
- Evidence of cerebral edema via enlarged perivascular spaces and activated lymphocytes was noted.
Conclusions:
- Findings corroborate current understanding of CM pathophysiology.
- Results support a significant role for the local immune system in CM neuropathology.
- The study may open new avenues for interventional research in CM.
