Ultrastructural changes in feline arterial endothelium following subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy of feline basilar arterial endothelium 4 h and 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) showed longitudinal furrows that correlated with angiographically demonstrated vasospasm. These ridges persisted after fixation at physiological pressure, and probably reflected medial contraction with undulation of the underlying elastic lamina. No change in endothelial cell morphology or thrombogenesis was observed for as long as 7 days after SAH. There was no evidence to suggest that ischemia from vasospasm is a product of thromboembolism from damaged endothelial surfaces.