Lectin , UEA- 1, reaction of capillary endothelium with reference to permeability in autopsied cases of cerebral infarction

Abstract

The relationship between endothelial reactivity to Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 (UEA-I) and the permeability of the vascular wall in human autopsied cases ol' cerebral infarction was studied. Sections from the cerebral cortex were reacted with horseradish peroxidase UEA-1 to demonstrate the surface membrane of endothelial cells. Albumin in the neuropil of sections was de~nonstrated for the estimation of increased vascular permeability. The results showed that endothelial reactivity to UEA-I was reduced in cases where death had occurred 3 to 5 days after onset of cerebral infarction. Reactivity was also diminished in cases where death had occurred after 13 and 25 days; these cases showed fresh ischemic lesions caused by reattacks of infarction. Albumin extravasation into the neuropil was demonstrated in these intermediate cases. Chronic cases, dying after more than 52 days, showed no reduction of endothelial reactivity to UEA-I and no albumin extravasation was proved. It was concluded that UEA-1 can be employed as a useful n~orphological marker for evaluation of endothelial function and vascular permeability.