Brainstem neuropathology in two cases of COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 trafficking between brain and lung.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 might spread through the nervous system, reaching respiratory centers in the brainstem. Because we recently reported neurophysiological brainstem reflex abnormalities in COVID-19 patients, we here neuropathologically assessed structural brainstem damage in two COVID-19 patients.

Materials and methods

We assessed neuropathological features in two patients who died of COVID-19 and in two COVID-19 negative patients as controls. Neuronal damage and corpora amylacea (CA) numbers /mm² were histopathologically assessed. Other features studied were the immunohistochemical expression of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (NP) and the Iba-1 antigen for glial activation.

Results

Autopsies showed normal gross brainstem anatomy. Histopathological exami

SUBMITTER: Bulfamante G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8129960 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature