FIGURE 1.

Schematic representation of major pathways leading to brain cell death after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Mechanical compression of brain tissue by the hematoma directly leads to brain cell death. The degradation products of erythrocytes activate microglia which, together with invading neutrophils, release toxic substances, such as thrombin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and inflammatory cytokines. These events of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress culminate in neuronal and glial cell death, vasogenic edema, and breakdown of the blood-brain barrier.