Vascular wall modifications after disruption of the circulation leading tocerebral ischaemia.

This article describes the modifications occurring in cerebral vessels duri ng the first 24 h after an ischaemic event followed by reperfusion. The pha ses of occlusion, no-reflow, post-ischaemic hyperaemia and delayed hypoperf usion are dealt with in terms of haemodynamic, morphological, functional an d biochemical data, available especially from animal studies. The interacti ons of platelets and leucocytes with the endothelium and the major role of reactive oxygen species in lesioning the microvasculature, including the bl ood-brain barrier, are emphasized. (C) 1999 Elsevier, Paris.