An electron microscopic and electron probe study of the microcirculation in cold-induced oedema.

An ultrastructural study of adult mongrel dogs and cats was made to evaluate the changes in the microcirculation during cerebral oedema formation. Two to five cold injuries were made in one hemisphere in dogs and one lesion was made in cats. In several dogs arterial hypertension was induced with a balloon in the aorta. Intracranial pressure (ICP) and water content were measured. The specimens from the oedematous region were studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron probe x-ray micro-analysis (EPMA). The TEM data showed swelling of the endothelium and astrocytic foot processes, enlarged perivascular spaces and increased number of endothelial vesicles. The EPMA findings indicated increases in Fe and Ca content in the perivascular spaces. In some cases, the amount of chloride in red cells was increased. The altered distributions of these metals suggested tissue injury and impairment of red cell and vessel wall functions.