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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Evaluation of Capillary and Other Vessel Contribution to Macular Perfusion Density Measured with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Published on: February 18, 2022
Reduced ratio of afferent to total vascular density in mesial temporal sclerosis
Ryan T Mott1, Clara R Thore, Dixon M Moody
1From the Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd.,Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
Abstract:
Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is the most common cause of drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy in adults. Despite nearly 2 centuries since the first reports of MTS, relatively little is known about its etiology and pathogenesis. Increasing attention has been directed toward the potential role of vascular abnormalities in MTS. We evaluated the hippocampal microvasculature in 9 MTS cases and 3 non-MTS controls using celloidin tissue sections and markers for total (collagen type IV) and afferent (enzymatic alkaline phosphatase) vessels. Tissue sections were assessed by light microscopy and quantified by threshold analysis of digital images and stereological analysis using the Space Balls probe. Although consistent alterations in the total microvascular density were not found, there was a significant reduction in the density of afferent vessels using both methodologies; these reductions were in areas CA2 and CA3 by image threshold analysis and in area CA3 using stereological measures of the ratio of afferent to total vessels. Increased numbers of string vessels (i.e. remnants of regressing vasculature) were also observed in Ammon's horn, suggesting vascular degeneration in the MTS hippocampus. These findings may help further our understanding of the pathophysiology of MTS.
Insights
Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS), a common cause of epilepsy, shows reduced blood vessel density in the hippocampus, particularly in specific areas. This suggests vascular degeneration may play a role in the condition
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Biology
- Epilepsy Research
Background:
- Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is the leading cause of adult drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy.
- The etiology and pathogenesis of MTS remain poorly understood despite extensive research.
- Vascular abnormalities are increasingly implicated in the development of MTS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of hippocampal microvasculature in Mesial Temporal Sclerosis (MTS).
- To compare vascular density in MTS cases versus non-MTS controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized celloidin-embedded hippocampal tissue sections from 9 MTS cases and 3 controls.
- Employed markers for total (collagen type IV) and afferent (alkaline phosphatase) vessels.
- Quantified microvasculature using light microscopy, digital image threshold analysis, and stereological analysis (Space Balls probe).
Main Results:
- No significant difference in total microvascular density was observed between MTS and control groups.
- A significant reduction in afferent vessel density was found in MTS hippocampi, specifically in CA2 and CA3 regions.
- Increased presence of 'string vessels,' indicative of vascular degeneration, was noted in the Ammon's horn of MTS cases.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a reduction in afferent blood supply and vascular degeneration in the hippocampus of individuals with MTS.
- These vascular changes may contribute to the pathophysiology of Mesial Temporal Sclerosis.
- Further research into vascular abnormalities could elucidate MTS etiology and pathogenesis.