Microvessels Isolated from Rat Brain: Localization of Astrocyte Processes by Immunohistochemical Techniques

Abstract

Microvascular networks were isolated from rat telencephalon by density gradient centrifugation. The vessels prepared were characterized morphologically by light microscopy and EM and immunohistochemically by the localization of glutamine synthetase and glial fibrillary acidic protein, 2 proteins found almost exclusively in astrocytes. The vast majority of the vessels prepared contained more than just endothelial cells surrounded by a basement membrane. Many arterioles were found still retaining their smooth muscle cells. Pericytes were found in association with most of the venules and many of the capillaries. Astrocyte processes remained attached to most of the microvessels. Vessels prepared from rat brain apparently still maintain most of their complex intercellular contacts and are a heterogeneous network of cells.