Pathological changes of cerebral vessel endothelial cells in spontaneously hypertensive rats, with special reference to the role of these cells in the development of hypertensive cerebrovascular lesions.

Changes of endothelial cells of the cerebral arterial system in spontaneously hypertensive rats were investigated using scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes. The endothelial cells revealed on the one hand, progressive changes such as enlargement, increased plasmalemmal pits, numerous microvilli and well-developed marginal folds. On the other hand, regressive changes such as balloon-like protusions and craterlike concavities were also noted. Platelet adhesion was often encountered on the injured endothelial surface of the cerebral arteries in SHR. The significance of these findings in the development of hypertensive cerebral vascular changes was discussed.