Dynamic capillary stalls in reperfused ischemic penumbra contribute to injury: A hyperacute role for neutrophils in persistent traffic jams


Erdener Ş. E., Tang J., Kilic K., Postnov D., Giblin J. T., Kura S., ...More

JOURNAL OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND METABOLISM, vol.41, no.2, pp.236-252, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 41 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/0271678x20914179
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND METABOLISM
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.236-252
  • Keywords: Cerebral ischemia, capillary, microcirculation, neutrophil, stall, CEREBRAL-ARTERY OCCLUSION, SELECTIVE NEURONAL LOSS, PROVIDES NEUROPROTECTION, STROKE, BRAIN, MOUSE, PERFUSION, ADHESION, MODELS, DEPOLARIZATIONS
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Ever since the introduction of thrombolysis and the subsequent expansion of endovascular treatments for acute ischemic stroke, it remains to be identified why the actual outcomes are less favorable despite recanalization. Here, by high spatio-temporal resolution imaging of capillary circulation in mice, we introduce the pathological phenomenon of dynamic flow stalls in cerebral capillaries, occurring persistently in salvageable penumbra after reperfusion. These stalls, which are different from permanent cellular plugs of no-reflow, were temporarily and repetitively occurring in the capillary network, impairing the overall circulation like small focal traffic jams. In vivo microscopy in the ischemic penumbra revealed leukocytes traveling slowly through capillary lumen or getting stuck, while red blood cell flow was being disturbed in the neighboring segments under reperfused conditions. Stall dynamics could be modulated, by injection of an anti-Ly6G antibody specifically targeting neutrophils. Decreased number and duration of stalls were associated with improvement in penumbral blood flow within 2-24 h after reperfusion along with increased capillary oxygenation, decreased cellular damage and improved functional outcome. Thereby, dynamic microcirculatory stall phenomenon can be a contributing factor to ongoing penumbral injury and is a potential hyperacute mechanism adding on previous observations of detrimental effects of activated neutrophils in ischemic stroke.