Trends in Neurosciences,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
46(4), P. 276 - 292
Published: Feb. 17, 2023
The
neurovascular
unit
(NVU)
is
a
dynamic
center
for
substance
exchange
between
the
blood
and
brain,
making
it
an
essential
gatekeeper
central
nervous
system
(CNS)
homeostasis.
Recent
evidence
supports
role
NVU
in
modulating
brain
function
cognition.
In
addition,
alterations
processes
are
observed
response
to
stress,
although
mechanisms
via
which
they
can
affect
mood
cognitive
functions
remain
elusive.
Here,
we
summarize
recent
studies
of
regulation
emotional
function,
including
under
stressful
conditions.
We
also
highlight
relevant
RNA-sequencing
(RNA-seq)
databases
aiming
profile
along
with
innovative
tools
study
manipulate
that
be
exploited
context
cognition
stress
research
throughout
development,
aging,
or
disorders.
Annual Review of Physiology,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
84(1), P. 331 - 354
Published: Oct. 21, 2021
The
vast
majority
of
the
brain's
vascular
length
is
composed
capillaries,
where
our
understanding
blood
flow
control
remains
incomplete.
This
review
synthesizes
current
knowledge
on
across
microvascular
zones
by
addressing
issues
with
nomenclature
and
drawing
new
developments
from
in
vivo
optical
imaging
single-cell
transcriptomics.
Recent
studies
have
highlighted
important
distinctions
mural
cell
morphology,
gene
expression,
contractile
dynamics,
which
can
explain
observed
differences
response
to
vasoactive
mediators
between
arteriole,
transitional,
capillary
zones.
Smooth
muscle
cells
arterioles
ensheathing
pericytes
arteriole-capillary
transitional
zone
large-scale,
rapid
changes
flow.
In
contrast,
downstream
act
slower
smaller
scales
are
involved
establishing
resting
tone
heterogeneity.
Many
unresolved
remain,
including
that
activate
different
pericyte
types
vivo,
role
pericyte-endothelial
communication
conducting
signals
capillaries
arterioles,
how
neurological
disease
affects
these
mechanisms.
Circulation Research,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
130(10), P. 1531 - 1546
Published: April 6, 2022
Capillaries
are
equipped
to
sense
neurovascular
coupling
agents
released
onto
the
outer
wall
of
a
capillary,
translating
these
external
signals
into
electrical/Ca
2+
changes
that
play
crucial
role
in
blood
flow
regulation
and
ensuring
neuronal
demands
met.
However,
control
mechanisms
attributable
forces
imposed
lumen
less
clear.
Here,
we
show
Piezo1
channels
act
as
mechanosensors
central
nervous
system
capillaries.
Electrophysiological
analyses
confirmed
expression
function
brain
cortical
retinal
Activation
evoked
currents
were
sensitive
endothelial
cell–specific
deletion.
Using
genetically
encoded
Ca
indicator
mice
an
ex
vivo
pressurized
retina
preparation,
found
activation
by
mechanical
triggered
capillary
cells.
Collectively,
findings
indicate
initiate
could,
therefore,
have
profound
impact
on
control.
Journal of Clinical Investigation,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
132(9)
Published: March 22, 2022
Pericyte-mediated
capillary
constriction
decreases
cerebral
blood
flow
in
stroke
after
an
occluded
artery
is
unblocked.
The
determinants
of
pericyte
tone
are
poorly
understood.
We
show
that
a
small
rise
cytoplasmic
Ca2+
concentration
([Ca2+]i)
pericytes
activated
chloride
efflux
through
the
Ca2+-gated
anion
channel
TMEM16A,
thus
depolarizing
cell
and
opening
voltage-gated
calcium
channels.
This
mechanism
strongly
amplified
[Ca2+]i
evoked
by
contractile
agonists
ischemia.
In
rodent
model,
TMEM16A
inhibition
slowed
ischemia-evoked
rise,
constriction,
death;
reduced
neutrophil
stalling;
improved
cerebrovascular
reperfusion.
Genetic
analysis
implicated
altered
expression
poor
patient
recovery
from
ischemic
stroke.
Thus,
crucial
regulator
function
potential
therapeutic
target
for
possibly
other
disorders
impaired
microvascular
flow,
such
as
Alzheimer's
disease
vascular
dementia.
Brain,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
145(7), P. 2276 - 2292
Published: May 13, 2022
Abstract
To
match
the
metabolic
demands
of
brain,
mechanisms
have
evolved
to
couple
neuronal
activity
vasodilation,
thus
increasing
local
cerebral
blood
flow
and
delivery
oxygen
glucose
active
neurons.
Rather
than
relying
on
feedback
signals
such
as
consumption
or
glucose,
main
signalling
pathways
rely
release
vasoactive
molecules
by
neurons
astrocytes,
which
act
contractile
cells.
Vascular
smooth
muscle
cells
pericytes
are
associated
with
arterioles
capillaries,
respectively,
relax
induce
vasodilation.
Much
progress
has
been
made
in
understanding
complex
neurovascular
coupling,
but
issues
contributions
capillary
astrocyte
calcium
signal
remain
contentious.
Study
coupling
is
especially
important
dysregulation
a
prominent
feature
Alzheimer’s
disease.
In
this
article
we
will
discuss
developments
controversies
finish
discussing
current
knowledge
concerning
uncoupling
Annual Review of Physiology,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
85(1), P. 137 - 164
Published: Feb. 10, 2023
Pericytes,
attached
to
the
surface
of
capillaries,
play
an
important
role
in
regulating
local
blood
flow.
Using
optogenetic
tools
and
genetically
encoded
reporters
conjunction
with
confocal
multiphoton
imaging
techniques,
3D
structure,
anatomical
organization,
physiology
pericytes
have
recently
been
subject
detailed
examination.
This
work
has
revealed
novel
functions
morphological
features
such
as
tunneling
nanotubes
brain
microtubes
heart.
Here,
we
discuss
state
our
current
understanding
roles
flow
control
heart,
where
may
differ
due
distinct
spatiotemporal
metabolic
requirements
these
tissues.
We
also
outline
concept
electro-metabolic
signaling,
a
universal
mechanistic
framework
that
links
tissue
regulation
by
vascular
smooth
muscle
cells,
capillary
K
ATP
Kir2.1
channels
primary
sensors.
Finally,
present
major
unresolved
questions
how
they
can
be
addressed.
