The study on ultrastructure of arteriole in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To examine ultrastructural features of the arteriole responsible for intracerebral hemorrhage or the perforating branches artery around hematoma in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage and explore the mechanism of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods Twelve hypertensive patients with CT proved intracerebral hemorrhage underwent operation. The small artery specimens were obtained through cortex fistula and their ultrastructures were observed under the electron microscope. Results Twelve specimens including 4 cases of duty arteriolae and 8 cases of perforating branch arteriolae were collected, Different degrees of degeneration were observed in three layers of the arteriola in all 12 specimens. Changes in endothelial cells included endothelial cell necrosis, collapse, or fallen of from endomembrane, accompanied by degeneration of internal elastic membrane, such as uneven thickness, absence of intermittent and medial smooth muscle cell necrosis. Myofilaments in the cytoplasm were condensed to form a high electron-dense cytoplasm. No micro-aneurysm was observed. Conclusions The pathological changes of cerebral small artery walls load-bearing layer in hypertensive patients include internal elastic layer rupture, smooth muscle layer of degeneration, decreased elasticity and increased fragility. Small artery walls may rupture, resulting in bleeding under the condition of rapid dynamic changes of blood flow.