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International Journal of Environmental... May 2019Prenatal alcohol exposure results in an array of developmental abnormalities known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Despite the high prevalence of FASDs,... (Review)
Review
Prenatal alcohol exposure results in an array of developmental abnormalities known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Despite the high prevalence of FASDs, therapeutic interventions against accidental or intended exposure of developing fetuses to alcohol are limited. This review outlines current knowledge about mitochondria in cerebral blood vessels as a potential target for anti-FASDs intervention. First, it describes the multifaceted role of mitochondria in maintaining the cerebral artery diameter as shown in adult tissue. Second, current literature on alcohol-driven damage of mitochondrial morphology and function in several fetal tissues, including liver, heart, and brain is summarized. The functional consequences of alcohol exposure in these organs include morphological enlargement of mitochondria, increased oxidative stress, and alteration of cellular respiration. These studies point to a tissue-specific effect of alcohol on mitochondrial function and a particular vulnerability of fetal mitochondria to alcohol exposure when compared to adult counterparts. Third, recent work from our group describing persistent changes in fetal baboon cerebral artery proteome following three episodes of prenatal alcohol exposure is reviewed. In conclusion, the consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure on cerebral artery mitochondria constitute an open field of investigation and, eventually, a point of therapeutic intervention against FASDs.
Topics: Animals; Cerebral Arteries; Ethanol; Female; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; Fetal Development; Fetus; Humans; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Mitochondria; Pregnancy
PubMed: 31067632
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091586 -
Clinical Neuroradiology Mar 2021The anterior perforating arteries are a group of arteries that enter the brain through the anterior perforated substance (APS). Because the lenticulostriate artery, the... (Review)
Review
Embryological Lateral Striate Artery Variants : Revised Concept of Recurrent Artery of Heubner, the Perforators to the Anterior Perforated Substance and Middle Cerebral Artery Variants.
PURPOSE
The anterior perforating arteries are a group of arteries that enter the brain through the anterior perforated substance (APS). Because the lenticulostriate artery, the recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH) and the perforators from A1 of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) penetrate the APS and supply the basal ganglia, these arteries can be considered as having a common embryological origin.
RESULTS
During development, the lateral striate arteries are divided from the lateral olfactory artery and divided into the RAH and middle cerebral artery (MCA). The RAH is a fascinating artery for its early development and variations of origin and course. The MCA has also several variations, such as the duplicated MCA, accessory MCA, and fenestration.
CONCLUSION
We provide a review of embryologic development and anatomical variations of the RAH, the perforators to the APS and MCA as a group of the lateral striate artery.
Topics: Anterior Cerebral Artery; Basal Ganglia; Brain; Cerebral Arteries; Humans; Middle Cerebral Artery; Olfactory Tubercle
PubMed: 33245401
DOI: 10.1007/s00062-020-00978-z -
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA May 2023The posterior cerebral artery (PCA) leaves from the distal end of the basilar artery (BA) and is joined to the internal carotid artery (ICA) by the posterior...
BACKGROUND
The posterior cerebral artery (PCA) leaves from the distal end of the basilar artery (BA) and is joined to the internal carotid artery (ICA) by the posterior communicating artery (PComA).
METHOD
The archived computed tomography angiogram of a 67 y.o. male patient was studied anatomically.
RESULTS
Anatomically normal PCAs left the BA. Both anterior choroidal arteries were found but the right one was hyperplastic. As the latter distributed parieto-occipital and calcarine branches, it was regarded as an accessory PCA. It was laterally to the normal one, inferior to the vein of Rosenthal.
CONCLUSION
The terms "accessory PCA" and "hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery" describe the same morphology. Rare anatomical variants could benefit from a homogenous terminology.
Topics: Male; Humans; Posterior Cerebral Artery; Basilar Artery; Cerebral Arteries; Carotid Artery, Internal; Circle of Willis
PubMed: 36991211
DOI: 10.1007/s00276-023-03127-6 -
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology 1989Fourteen accessory middle cerebral arteries demonstrated on angiography were reviewed relative to the pertinent literature. The anomalous vessel follows a fairly... (Review)
Review
Fourteen accessory middle cerebral arteries demonstrated on angiography were reviewed relative to the pertinent literature. The anomalous vessel follows a fairly constant pattern in terms of origin, course, and distribution, and it frequently gives rise to basal perforating arteries. It is suggested that the vessel represents a persistent anastomosis between the anterior and middle cerebral arteries over the tuberculum olfactorium, the anastomosis being a predecessor of the recurrent artery of Heubner in phylogenetic development. Among various descendants of the anastomotic channels could be included both the normal recurrent artery of Heubner and the accessory middle cerebral artery, with or without basal perforating arteries. We believe the simultaneous presence of the recurrent artery of Heubner and the accessory middle cerebral artery on one side may represent the persistence of two anastomoses, one as the recurrent artery of Heubner and the other as the accessory middle cerebral artery; this is similar to the situation of duplication of the recurrent artery of Heubner.
Topics: Cerebral Angiography; Cerebral Arteries; Collateral Circulation; Humans
PubMed: 2501988
DOI: No ID Found -
World Neurosurgery Dec 2021Fenestrations of cerebral arteries are congenital variants that develop when primitive vessels fuse incompletely. An association between the incidence of aneurysm and a...
BACKGROUND
Fenestrations of cerebral arteries are congenital variants that develop when primitive vessels fuse incompletely. An association between the incidence of aneurysm and a fenestrated artery has been noted in the radiological literature. However, technical limitations of radiological studies may hamper visualization of small fenestrations and aneurysms. We sought to analyze a large, postmortem collection of human brains to assess the association between aneurysm formation and the presence of fenestrations.
METHODS
This study included 333 formalin-fixed brains. The arachnoid was dissected under a microscope, the cerebral arteries were completely exposed, and fenestrations and aneurysms were identified and measured. For each specimen, age, sex, and all vascular abnormalities and variations were recorded for analysis.
RESULTS
Fenestrations were present in 41% of the specimens, and 37% of these were multiple. Fenestrations were 3.1 ± 2.5 mm long and most commonly occurred in the anterior communicating artery (63%). Aneurysms were present in 8% of the specimens, usually in the anterior communicating artery or the middle cerebral artery. An aneurysm correlated with a fenestration was detected in 2% of all specimens (n = 4) and was not statistically significant (P = 0.18).
CONCLUSIONS
Fenestrations of the intracranial arteries are a common anatomical finding. They are present most often in the anterior communicating artery. Most aneurysms were detected in the anterior communicating artery and middle cerebral artery. We conclude that the existence of an aneurysm in a fenestrated artery is an incidental, rather than causal, relationship.
Topics: Adult; Cadaver; Cerebral Arteries; Female; Humans; Intracranial Aneurysm; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 34506985
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.08.137 -
Neurosurgical Review Mar 2019There are still different descriptions of the segmentation of the posterior cerebral artery, although there is a radiological and anatomical consensus on the...
There are still different descriptions of the segmentation of the posterior cerebral artery, although there is a radiological and anatomical consensus on the segmentation of the anterior and the middle cerebral artery. This study aims to define the most appropriate localization for origin and end points of the segments through reviewing the segmentation of the posterior cerebral artery. The segments and the cortical branches originating from those segments of the 40 posterior cerebral arteries of 20 cadaver brains were examined under operating microscope. In this research, the P, P, P, P, and P classification of the segmentation of the posterior cerebral artery is redefined. This redefinition was made to overcome the complexities of previous definitions. The P segment in this research takes its origin from the basilar tip and ends at the junction with the posterior communicating artery. The average diameter of this segment at the origin was 2.21 mm (0.9-3.3), and the average length was 6.8 mm (3-12). The P segment extends from the junction with the posterior communicating artery to the origin of the lateral temporal trunk. This point usually situates on one level of posterior of the cerebral peduncle. The average diameter of this segment at the origin was 2.32 mm (1.3-3.1), and the average length was 20.1 mm (11-26). The P segment extends from the origin of the lateral temporal trunk to the colliculus where both the posterior cerebral arteries are the nearest to each other (quadrigeminal point) and is located at the anterior-inferior of the splenium. The average diameter of this segment at the origin was 1.85 mm (1.2-2.7), and the average length was 16.39 mm (9-28). The P begins at the quadrigeminal point and ends at the top of the cuneus. The average diameter of this segment at the origin was 1.55 mm (1.1-2.2). While the P segment is named as the terminal branches of the major terminal branches of the posterior cerebral artery, no definite border was found between the P and the P segments. In this study, the segmentation of the posterior cerebral artery, developed by Krayenbühl and Yaşargil, was redefined to be more appropriate for radiological and anatomical purposes.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Basilar Artery; Cadaver; Cerebral Arteries; Cerebral Peduncle; Female; Humans; Male; Microsurgery; Middle Aged; Neurosurgical Procedures; Occipital Lobe; Posterior Cerebral Artery; Superior Colliculi
PubMed: 29623480
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-018-0972-y -
Neurologia Medico-chirurgica Jul 2003The anatomy of the branches of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) near the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex were investigated to minimize neurovascular... (Review)
Review
The anatomy of the branches of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) near the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex were investigated to minimize neurovascular morbidity caused by surgical procedures performed in this region. Thirty-one cadaver brains were perfused with colored silicone, fixed, and studied under the operating microscope. The recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH), orbitofrontal artery (OFA), and frontopolar artery (FPA) were identified as the branches of the ACA arising near the ACoA complex. The OFA and FPA were identified in all hemispheres. Forty-nine (64%) of a total of 77 RAHs arose from the A2 segment. The OFA always arose from the A2 segment, was consistently the smallest branch, and coursed to the gyrus rectus, olfactory tract, and olfactory bulb. The mean distance between the ACoA and the OFA was 5.96 mm. The FPA arose from the A2 segment in 95% of the specimens, and coursed to the medial subfrontal region. The mean distance between the ACoA and the FPA was 14.6 mm. The RAH, OFA, and the FPA are three branches that arise from the ACA near the ACoA complex. These vessels have similar diameters, but can be distinguished by the final destination. Distinguishing these vessels is important since the consequences of injury or occlusion of the FPA and OFA are significantly less than of the RAH.
Topics: Anterior Cerebral Artery; Carotid Artery, Internal; Cerebral Arteries; Culture Techniques; Frontal Lobe; Functional Laterality; Humans; Optic Chiasm; Orbit
PubMed: 12924591
DOI: 10.2176/nmc.43.329 -
Neurosurgery Jun 1988The microvascular anatomy of the main trunk and divisions of the middle cerebral artery was studied in 104 unfixed brain hemispheres injected with polyester resin and... (Review)
Review
The microvascular anatomy of the main trunk and divisions of the middle cerebral artery was studied in 104 unfixed brain hemispheres injected with polyester resin and dissected under the operating microscope. The following anomalies and variations of the middle cerebral artery were found: fenestration (1 case; 1%), located on the first 4 mm of the main trunk of the middle cerebral artery; duplication (1 case; 1%), with vessels arising from the internal carotid artery; accessory middle cerebral artery (2 cases; 2%), originating on the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery; single-trunk type of middle cerebral artery (4 cases; 4%), with no division of its main trunk; quadrifurcation (4 cases; 4%), in which the main trunk of the middle cerebral artery divided into four secondary trunks. The clinical implications of these anatomical findings are discussed, and photographs of representative specimens illustrate the anomalies.
Topics: Cerebral Arteries; Humans; Intracranial Aneurysm
PubMed: 3047592
DOI: 10.1227/00006123-198806010-00008 -
The Journal of Craniofacial SurgeryThis study was conducted to describe in detail the branching patterns of cortical branches from the middle cerebral artery supplying the feeding of the temporal region,...
This study was conducted to describe in detail the branching patterns of cortical branches from the middle cerebral artery supplying the feeding of the temporal region, to define the arterial structure of temporal artery (TA) and to determine the effect of this arterial supply to the temporal region. The arteries of brains (n = 22; 44 hemispheres) were prepared for dissection after filling them with colored latex. TA was defined, and its classification was described, specifying its relationship with other cortical branches. A new classification was defined related to TA terminology. TA was found in 95% of cadavers, and it originated as an early branch in 75% and from the inferior trunk in 24% of cadavers. TA was classified as Type 0: No TA, Type I: single branch providing two cortical branches, Type II: single branch providing three or more cortical branches and Type III: double TA. Type I-TA (45%) was the most common, and Type II-TA arterial diameter was significantly larger than that of other types. All cadavers showed the cortical branches of temporal region from middle cerebral artery, anterior TA , middle TA, posterior TA and temporooccipital artery, except temporopolar artery (81%). Temporopolar artery, anterior TA, and middle TA primarily originated from TA, an early branch, but posterior TA and temporooccipital artery primarily originated from the inferior trunk. Detailed knowledge about cortical branches together with TA and also this region's blood supply would enable increased prediction of complications, especially in cases with these region-related pathologies, and would make interventions safer.
Topics: Cadaver; Cerebral Arteries; Head; Humans; Middle Cerebral Artery; Temporal Arteries; Temporal Lobe
PubMed: 33710055
DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000007612 -
American Journal of Physiology. Heart... Jun 2013Maintenance of brain function depends on a constant blood supply. Deficits in cerebral blood flow are linked to cognitive decline, and they have detrimental effects on... (Review)
Review
Maintenance of brain function depends on a constant blood supply. Deficits in cerebral blood flow are linked to cognitive decline, and they have detrimental effects on the outcome of ischemia. Hypertension causes alterations in cerebral artery structure and function that can impair blood flow, particularly during an ischemic insult or during periods of low arterial pressure. This review will focus on the historical discoveries, novel developments, and knowledge gaps in 1) hypertensive cerebral artery remodeling, 2) vascular function with emphasis on myogenic reactivity and endothelium-dependent dilation, and 3) blood-brain barrier function. Hypertensive artery remodeling results in reduction in the lumen diameter and an increase in the wall-to-lumen ratio in most cerebral arteries; this is linked to reduced blood flow postischemia and increased ischemic damage. Many factors that are increased in hypertension stimulate remodeling; these include the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reactive oxygen species levels. Endothelial function, vital for endothelium-mediated dilation and regulation of myogenic reactivity, is impaired in hypertension. This is a consequence of alterations in vasodilator mechanisms involving nitric oxide, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, and ion channels, including calcium-activated potassium channels and transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 4. Hypertension causes blood-brain barrier breakdown by mechanisms involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and vasoactive circulating molecules. This exposes neurons to cytotoxic molecules, leading to neuronal loss, cognitive decline, and impaired recovery from ischemia. As the population ages and the incidence of hypertension, stroke, and dementia increases, it is imperative that we gain a better understanding of the control of cerebral artery function in health and disease.
Topics: Animals; Cerebral Arteries; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Humans; Hypertension; Renin-Angiotensin System; Vasoconstriction
PubMed: 23585139
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00490.2012