Figure 2

The immunostaining of Ang-1, Ang-2 and Tie-2 in brain sections from fatal malaria cases (A, B, C, F) and fatal non-malaria cases (D, E). There was heterogeneity in expression patterns of Ang-1, Ang-2 and Tie-2 between patients and within different brain regions in each patient. (A, D) Ang-1 was more commonly seen on larger neurons or astroglial cells, perivascular smooth muscles and pericytes, but not usually on endothelial cells (ECs). Strong staining was occasionally observed on neuropil and axonal bundles. (B, E) Strong Ang-2 labelling on axonal bundles, large neurons, astroglial cells, perivascular smooth muscles, pericytes, ECs and some parasitized red blood cells. (C, F) Strong Tie-2 staining of large and small neurons, astroglial cells, perivascular smooth muscles, pericytes and ECs. (F) A larger vessel showing Tie-2 staining whilst surrounding capillaries, showing significant parasitized erythrocyte sequestration, are completely negative. All sections were counterstained with haematoxylin. Scale bars = 60 μm. Abbreviations: AX = axons, G = astroglial cells, N = neurons, P = parasitized red blood cells, V = vessels.