fibrin and Brain-Concussion

The fibrin formation in brain traumas was studied by immunohistochemical method. Eleven cases of brain trauma were examined. The fibrin was demonstrated not only in the areas of brain contusion and the neuronal cytoplasm of hypothalamus, thalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum, but also on the membrane of endothelial cells and red blood cells within some capillaries. The fibrin was also found around capillaries and the areas far from the brain trauma. It was suggested that injuries to the brain occurred not only in the local areas of the brain subjected to the violence, but also in the areas far from the local injury. It meant that the brain injuries were not local, but diffuse. The fibrin observed in the neuronal cytoplasm, and on the membrane of endothelial cells and red blood cells within some capillaries was a sign of ante mortem brain traumas. The combined HE staining and immunohistochemical staining of the fibrin is useful in the demonstration of simple brainstem traumas.

Topics: Brain Chemistry; Brain Concussion; Brain Stem; Female; Fibrin; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Male

This study was undertaken to look for trauma-related fibrinous microthrombi in traumatized human brains. Fifty brains from patients with variable time intervals between trauma and death were fixed in 10% formaldehyde. Sections from the contusioned area and from the corresponding area of the contralateral hemisphere were embedded in paraffin and 50 non-traumatized brains were used as controls. After sectioning and embedding, 10 microns sections were stained with haemalum and eosin (HE) and phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin (PTAH). Stained fibrinous microthrombi were counted in each hemisphere and in control sections. More microthrombi could be found in the contusioned areas of the brain than in the contralateral side or in control sections.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Brain Concussion; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug Combinations; Eosine Yellowish-(YS); Fibrin; Forensic Medicine; Hematoxylin; Humans; Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis; Middle Aged; Phosphotungstic Acid; Time Factors