Figure 7.

Illustration of temporary microvascular obstruction resulting from compression by swollen end-feet. (A) At 0.5 hour after ischemia, no microvascular obstruction is observed. (B) By 3 to 8 hours after ischemia, swollen end-feet compressed the microvessels and induced microvascular obstruction as evidenced by stasis. (C) By 12 hours after ischemia, there is a decrease in the number and thickness of end-feet, resulting in restoration of blood flow in the microvessels. (D) At 24 hours after ischemia, astrocytes and end-feet have become necrotic; and microvascular compression has disappeared. Upper: longitudinal scheme along microvessels. Lower: transverse section of microvessels. Long arrows: bloodstream.