From pluripotent stem cells to multifunctional cordocytic phenotypes in the human brain: an ultrastructural study

Ultrastruct Pathol. 2012 Aug;36(4):252-9. doi: 10.3109/01913123.2012.669451.

Abstract

Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate surgical cases in a variety of pathological conditions (thromboses, tumors, cerebrovascular malformations, Moyamoya disease) to identify and characterize different phenotypes belonging to a new interstitial cell recently described ultrastructurally in the brain and here named "cordocyte." Also, this work is an attempt to identify and characterize precursor/stem cells for cordocytic lineage in the perivascular areas, within perivascular nerves and pia mater (now considered a cordocytic-vascular tissue). Unexpected relationships and functions emerge from observations concerning these phenotypes, almost ubiquitous, but not yet fully studied in the brain.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Vessels / ultrastructure
  • Brain / ultrastructure*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype
  • Pia Mater / blood supply
  • Pia Mater / ultrastructure*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / ultrastructure*
  • Young Adult