In vivo Two-Photon Imaging Reveals Acute Cerebral Vascular Spasm and Microthrombosis After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice

Front. Neurosci., 2020 · DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00210 · Published: March 10, 2020

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on cerebral blood vessels and blood flow in mice using advanced imaging techniques. Researchers observed that mTBI led to a temporary reduction in the diameter of blood vessels and the speed of red blood cells in the brain, indicating decreased blood flow. The study also found that mTBI caused the formation of small blood clots (microthrombi) in capillaries, which could further disrupt blood flow and contribute to brain dysfunction.

Study Duration

1 day

Participants

Male C57BL/6J mice or the same background Thy1-YFP transgenic mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
mTBI induced significant decreases in the diameters and RBC velocities of arterioles and capillaries from 0.5 to 6 hours post-injury, with partial recovery by 1 day.
2
Venules exhibited a reduction in diameter and RBC velocity in a shorter time window of 0.5–1 hour after mTBI.
3
Transient microthrombi formed and cleared in capillaries within 1 hour post-mTBI, indicating impairment of capillary microcirculation.

Research Summary

This study used in vivo two-photon microscopy to examine the dynamic changes in cerebral vasculature and red blood cell (RBC) velocities following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in mice. The results showed that mTBI caused acute vasospasm, reduction of blood flow, and formation of microthrombi in the acute stage following injury, which may contribute to early brain functional deficits. The study provides direct evidence that mTBI leads to acute decreases in the diameter and blood flow of cerebral arterioles, veins, and capillaries, with most changes recovering to baseline levels within 24 hours.

Practical Implications

Understanding mTBI Mechanisms

This study enhances our understanding of the immediate vascular changes occurring after mTBI, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms of brain dysfunction.

Potential Therapeutic Targets

Identifying vasospasm and microthrombosis as key factors opens avenues for developing targeted therapies to improve cerebral blood flow and microcirculation post-mTBI.

Improved Diagnostic Tools

The in vivo two-photon imaging technique provides a powerful tool for studying real-time longitudinal dynamics of cerebral vasculature, potentially aiding in the development of more sensitive diagnostic methods for mTBI.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and findings may not directly translate to humans.
2
The transient nature of microthrombosis made it difficult to quantify, limiting a thorough analysis of their pathological significance.
3
Changes in chronic post-concussion period need to be further determined in future.

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