Collagen organization in the branching region of human brain arteries

Unruptured saccular aneurysms are relatively common, occurring in 4% to 9% of autopsies. Their development at the apex region of brain artery bifurcations is attributed to a combination of structural factors and the effect of blood pressure. Collagen is a primary tension-bearing fabric of the vessel wall, and our purpose was to examine its 3-dimensional alignment at arterial branches.

Sixteen segments of arteries from the circle of Willis, including bifurcations, were pressure distended, fixed, and sectioned in 1 of 3 orthogonal planes. We measured the 3-dimensional organization of collagen at the flow divider by using the polarized light microscope. An electron microscopy study performed in tandem provided measurements on the collagen fibril diameters and packing density.

Orientation data of the collagen fabric were obtained from sections from 3 different cutting planes. The tunica media of all bifurcations had an alignment that was primarily circumferential, and the medial gap (medial defect) was distinguishable at the apex of all bifurcations. The subendothelial layer was thin at the apex but thicker and more disorganized distally. Adventitial collagen showed little organization except for a high degree of alignment along the apex. Results from the electron microscopy study showed densely packed collagen fibrils of uniform diameter at the apex, compared with slightly smaller and less densely packed fibrils nearby.

In the region of the medial gap, a narrow band of highly aligned tendonlike collagen running in the direction of the ridge of the flow divider was a consistent finding. This structure would provide strength and stability to the vessel and is inconsistent with the concept of an inherent defect in the structure of bifurcations.