An Overview of Inflicted Head Injury in Infants and Young Children, With a Review of β-Amyloid Precursor Protein Immunohistochemistry

Abstract

Context.—Inflicted traumatic brain injury of infants and young children results in a complex array of autopsy findings. In many cases, immunostains for β-amyloid precursor protein are used to detect axonal injury. Interpretation of the gross, microscopic, and immunostaining results requires the integration of the many facets of the individual case. Objective.—In this article we review the gross and microscopic findings associated with inflicted traumatic brain injury. The application and interpretation of β-amyloid precursor protein immunostains are discussed and photomicrographs are used to illustrate immunostaining patterns. Data Sources.—The pertinent literature is integrated into a review of the subject. Conclusions.—Inflicted traumatic brain injury often results in subdural, subarachnoid, retinal, and optic nerve sheath hemorrhage. These findings must be interpreted within the entire context of the case. β-Amyloid precursor protein immunostains may be helpful in illustrating the traumatic nature of the injuries in some cases.

The 5XFAD mouse model: a tool for genetic modulation of Alzheime's disease pathology

“…It is noteworthy to mention that APP is transported across the axons and accumulates in axonal swellings. Therefore, it is used for the detection of axonal pathology in traumatic brain injury (Dolinak and Reichard, 2006) and has been used to study axonopathy in the APP/PSKI mice . Thus, the colocalization of both proteins provides another indication that hQC is also axonally transported.…”