[Changes in brain microvascular architecture following experimental cold injury].

Sequential changes in the microvascular architecture of rat brains following local freezing injury were studied by scanning electron microscopy involving the cerebrovascular casting method. Repair of the microvascular architecture was initiated on day 3 after injury. Hematogenous cells and reactive astrocytes within the edematous zone participated in the regenerative process. The microvascular architecture was reconstructed from the edge of the lesion toward the brain surface. On the other hand, in small parts of the brain surface subjected to severe, focal freezing, the microvascular architecture was newly formed and resembled that of fetal and newborn rat cortices. Within 7 days after injury, the microvascular architecture was completely repaired.