Research
Scanning electron microscopy of the neuropathology of murine cerebral malaria
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* Corresponding author: Peter Lackner peter.lackner@i-med.ac.at
1 Clinical Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
2 Division of Histology and Embryology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
Malaria Journal 2006, 5:116 doi:10.1186/1475-2875-5-116
Published: 24 November 2006Abstract
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.