Astrogliosis in the temporal lobe of newborn infants who died in the perinatal period.

The normal distribution of astrocytes in the temporal lobe of the newborn and that occurring as consequence of perinatal pathology was compared. The astrocytes were revealed by immunohistochemical visualization of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The intensity of positive reaction correlates well with the maturation of various white structures. In the group with hypoxic encephalopathy the GFAP-positive reaction was clearly related to the observed neuropathological changes. Intensive reaction in the area of U-fibers confirmed the susceptibility of this region to hypoxic damage. The presence of GFAP-positive cells within Ammon's horn indicates that the degree of reaction depends on the intensity and duration of the lesions.