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Blood-brain barrier ultrastructural alterations in human congenital hydrocephalus and Arnold-Chiari malformation

Orlando J Castejón1

  • 1Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Zulia, Apartado 526, Maracaibo, Venezuela. ocastejo@cantv.net

Folia Neuropathologica
|April 9, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Congenital hydrocephalus and related conditions damage the blood-brain barrier. Electron microscopy revealed significant structural changes in brain capillaries, indicating a compromised barrier in affected patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pathology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Hydrocephalus, including congenital, Arnold-Chiari malformation, and postmeningitis types, presents significant neurological challenges.
  • The integrity of the blood-brain barrier is crucial for normal brain function and protection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the ultrastructural changes in cortical capillaries in patients with various forms of hydrocephalus.
  • To assess the integrity of endothelial cells, basement membrane, astrocytic end-feet, and perivascular space.

Main Methods:

  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine cortical biopsies from 13 patients.
  • Analysis focused on specific cellular and structural components of the brain's microvasculature.

Main Results:

  • Capillaries showed increased vesicular transport and enlarged perivascular spaces.
  • In severe edema, open endothelial junctions, swollen basement membranes, and absent astrocytic end-feet were observed.
  • All cases exhibited a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms blood-brain barrier disruption in hydrocephalus and related conditions.
  • Ultrastructural damage to capillaries contributes to the pathology of these neurological disorders.

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