Prominent elevation of extracellular matrix molecules in intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Li Hongmin , Ghorbani Samira , Zhang Ruiyi , Ebacher Vincent , Stephenson Erin L. , Yong V. Wee , Xue Mengzhou 
Published: May 2023

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the predominant type of hemorrhagic stroke with high mortality and disability. In other neurological conditions, the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules is a prominent obstacle for regenerative processes and an enhancer of neuroinflammation. Whether ECM molecules alter in composition after ICH, and which ECM members may inhibit repair, remain unknown in hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods

The collagenase-induced ICH mouse model and an autopsied human ICH specimen were investigated for expression of ECM members by immunofluorescence microscopy. Confocal image z-stacks were analyzed with Imaris 3D to assess the association of immune cells and ECM molecules. Sections from a mouse model of multiple sclerosis were used as disease controls. Tissue culture was employed to examine the roles of ECM members on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs).

Results

Amongst the lectican chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG) members, neurocan but not aggrecan, versican-V1 and versican-V2 was prominently expressed in perihematomal tissue and lesion core compared to the contralateral area in murine ICH. Fibrinogen, fibronectin and heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) were also elevated after murine ICH while thrombospondin was not. Confocal microscopy with Imaris 3D rendering co-localized neurocan, fibrinogen, fibronectin and HSPG molecules to Iba1+microglia/macrophages or GFAP+astrocytes. Marked differentiation from the multiple sclerosis model was observed, the latter with high versican-V1 and negligible neurocan. In culture, purified neurocan inhibited adhesion and process outgrowth of OPCs, which are early steps in myelination in vivo. The prominent expression of neurocan in murine ICH was corroborated in human ICH sections.

Conclusion

ICH caused distinct alterations in ECM molecules. Amongst CSPG members, neurocan was selectively upregulated in both murine and human ICH. In tissue culture, neurocan impeded the properties of oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Alterations to the ECM in ICH may adversely affect reparative outcomes after stroke.

What is already known on this topic– CSPGs are known to be elevated in multiple sclerosis and intraventricular hemorrhage, where they act as inhibitors of repair by hindering remyelination and axonal regeneration, as well as promoting neuroinflammation. However, there is currently no literature available regarding the role of CSPGs in ICH.

What this study adds– Our findings demonstrate the elevation of specific ECM molecules, particularly neurocan, in murine and human ICH. These matrix molecules will likely affect subsequent reparative processes such as remyelination, as suggested by the result that purified neurocan impairs the process outgrowth and maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells.

How this study might affect research, practice or policy– The targeting of ECM molecules represents a promising strategy to promote remyelination and control neuroinflammation, with the potential to improve prognosis following ICH.