scholarly journals The Neurovascular Unit Coming of Age: A Journey through Neurovascular Coupling in Health and Disease

Neuron ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Costantino Iadecola
Keyword(s):  
Coming Of Age ◽  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
Neurovascular Coupling ◽  
Health And Disease

scholarly journals Neurons, Glia, Extracellular Matrix and Neurovascular Unit: A Systems Biology Approach to the Complexity of Synaptic Plasticity in Health and Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ciro De Luca ◽  
Anna Maria Colangelo ◽  
Assunta Virtuoso ◽  
Lilia Alberghina ◽  
Michele Papa
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Synaptic Plasticity ◽  
Systems Biology ◽  
Synapse Formation ◽  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
Synaptic Cleft ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Molecular Networks ◽  
Maladaptive Plasticity ◽  
Health And Disease

The synaptic cleft has been vastly investigated in the last decades, leading to a novel and fascinating model of the functional and structural modifications linked to synaptic transmission and brain processing. The classic neurocentric model encompassing the neuronal pre- and post-synaptic terminals partly explains the fine-tuned plastic modifications under both pathological and physiological circumstances. Recent experimental evidence has incontrovertibly added oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and microglia as pivotal elements for synapse formation and remodeling (tripartite synapse) in both the developing and adult brain. Moreover, synaptic plasticity and its pathological counterpart (maladaptive plasticity) have shown a deep connection with other molecular elements of the extracellular matrix (ECM), once considered as a mere extracellular structural scaffold altogether with the cellular glue (i.e., glia). The ECM adds another level of complexity to the modern model of the synapse, particularly, for the long-term plasticity and circuit maintenance. This model, called tetrapartite synapse, can be further implemented by including the neurovascular unit (NVU) and the immune system. Although they were considered so far as tightly separated from the central nervous system (CNS) plasticity, at least in physiological conditions, recent evidence endorsed these elements as structural and paramount actors in synaptic plasticity. This scenario is, as far as speculations and evidence have shown, a consistent model for both adaptive and maladaptive plasticity. However, a comprehensive understanding of brain processes and circuitry complexity is still lacking. Here we propose that a better interpretation of the CNS complexity can be granted by a systems biology approach through the construction of predictive molecular models that enable to enlighten the regulatory logic of the complex molecular networks underlying brain function in health and disease, thus opening the way to more effective treatments.

Vascular dysfunction in the brain; implications for heavy metals exposure

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nzube F. Olung ◽  
Oritoke M. Aluko ◽  
Sikirullai O. Jeje ◽  
Ayotunde S. Adeagbo ◽  
Omamuyovwi M. Ijomone
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Vascular Dysfunction ◽  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
Neurovascular Coupling ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Neurovascular Damage ◽  
Metals Exposure ◽  
Neurovascular Dysfunction

: Normal or diseased conditions that alter the brain’s requirement for oxygen and nutrients via alterations to neurovascular coupling act at the level of the neurovascular unit; comprising neuronal, glial and vascular components. The communications between the components of the neurovascular unit are precise and accurate for its functions, hence a minute disturbance can result in neurovascular dysfunction. Heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead have been identified to increase the vulnerability of the neurovascular unit to damage. This review examines the role of heavy metals in neurovascular dysfunctions and the possible mechanisms by which these metals act. Risk factors ranging from lifestyle, environment, genetics, infections, and physiologic ageing involved in neurological dysfunctions were highlighted, while stroke, was discussed as the prevalent consequence of neurovascular dysfunctions. Furthermore, the role of these heavy metals in the pathogenesis of stroke consequently pinpoints the importance of understanding the mechanisms of neurovascular damage in a bid to curb the occurrence of neurovascular dysfunctions.

scholarly journals Neurovascular coupling and functional neuroimaging in epilepsy

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valesio Becker Junior ◽  
Lauro Wichert-Ana ◽  
Rhelen Piantino Leitão Ferreira da Silva ◽  
Daniel Giansante Abud ◽  
Sara Escorsi-Rosset ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Near Infrared ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Neurovascular Coupling ◽  
Optical Signals ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Temporal And Spatial

INTRODUCTION: The neural regulation of the microcirculation is done by the functional neurovascular unit that is composed of vascular, astroglial and neuronal cells. The neurovascular unit represents the interface between the Central Nervous System and the Vascular System. OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews the literature on functional neuroimaging with a particular focus on the mechanisms of the neurovascular coupling. CONCLUSIONS: Functional neuroimaging techniques as functional MRI, SPECT and PET distinguish metabolic and physiological processes underlying normal and abnormal events, based on neurovascular coupling. Although these techniques still have limitations in temporal and spatial resolution, they have considerably reduced the need for intracranial electrodes or invasive functional tests in the presurgical evaluation for intractable epilepsy. Recently, new techniques as optical approaches (measurement of intrinsic optical signals and near infrared spectroscopy) have increased both temporal and spatial resolutions. The use of such techniques in animal models has yielded experimental evidence for a neurovascular coupling in normal and epileptic conditions.

scholarly journals Emerging Roles of Pericytes in the Regulation of the Neurovascular Unit in Health and Disease

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 591-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Hill ◽  
Slava Rom ◽  
Servio H. Ramirez ◽  
Yuri Persidsky
Keyword(s):  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
Health And Disease

scholarly journals Functional Hyperemia and Mechanisms of Neurovascular Coupling in the Retinal Vasculature

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (11) ◽  
pp. 1685-1695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric A Newman
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Glial Cells ◽  
Neurovascular Coupling ◽  
Retinal Blood Flow ◽  
Retinal Vasculature ◽  
Functional Hyperemia ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Neuronal Stimulation ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Coupling Mechanisms

The retinal vasculature supplies cells of the inner and middle layers of the retina with oxygen and nutrients. Photic stimulation dilates retinal arterioles producing blood flow increases, a response termed functional hyperemia. Despite recent advances, the neurovascular coupling mechanisms mediating the functional hyperemia response in the retina remain unclear. In this review, the retinal functional hyperemia response is described, and the cellular mechanisms that may mediate the response are assessed. These neurovascular coupling mechanisms include neuronal stimulation of glial cells, leading to the release of vasoactive arachidonic acid metabolites onto blood vessels, release of potassium from glial cells onto vessels, and production and release of nitric oxide (NO), lactate, and adenosine from neurons and glia. The modulation of neurovascular coupling by oxygen and NO are described, and changes in functional hyperemia that occur with aging and in diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other pathologies, are reviewed. Finally, outstanding questions concerning retinal blood flow in health and disease are discussed.

scholarly journals The “Neuro-Glial-Vascular” Unit: The Role of Glia in Neurovascular Unit Formation and Dysfunction

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth C. Kugler ◽  
John Greenwood ◽  
Ryan B. MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Functional Unit ◽  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
Neurovascular Coupling ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Glia Cells ◽  
Unit Formation ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
And Function

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a complex multi-cellular structure consisting of endothelial cells (ECs), neurons, glia, smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and pericytes. Each component is closely linked to each other, establishing a structural and functional unit, regulating central nervous system (CNS) blood flow and energy metabolism as well as forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and inner blood-retina barrier (BRB). As the name suggests, the “neuro” and “vascular” components of the NVU are well recognized and neurovascular coupling is the key function of the NVU. However, the NVU consists of multiple cell types and its functionality goes beyond the resulting neurovascular coupling, with cross-component links of signaling, metabolism, and homeostasis. Within the NVU, glia cells have gained increased attention and it is increasingly clear that they fulfill various multi-level functions in the NVU. Glial dysfunctions were shown to precede neuronal and vascular pathologies suggesting central roles for glia in NVU functionality and pathogenesis of disease. In this review, we take a “glio-centric” view on NVU development and function in the retina and brain, how these change in disease, and how advancing experimental techniques will help us address unanswered questions.

scholarly journals Impaired Hippocampal Neurovascular Coupling in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Li ◽  
Xin-Kang Tong ◽  
Mohammadamin Hosseini Kahnouei ◽  
Diane Vallerand ◽  
Edith Hamel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Synaptic Transmission ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Neurovascular Unit ◽  
Neurovascular Coupling ◽  
Vascular Response ◽  
Vascular Responses ◽  
Cerebrovascular Dysfunction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is characterized by neuronal degeneration and cerebrovascular dysfunction. Increasing evidence indicates that cerebrovascular dysfunction may be a key or an aggravating pathogenic factor in AD. This emphasizes the importance to investigate the tight coupling between neuronal activity and cerebral blood flow (CBF) termed neurovascular coupling (NVC). NVC depends on all cell types of the neurovascular unit within which astrocytes are important players in the progression of AD. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the hippocampal NVC in a mouse model of AD. Hippocampal NVC was studied in 6-month-old amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice and their corresponding wild-type littermates using in vivo laser Doppler flowmetry to measure CBF in area CA1 of the hippocampus in response to Schaffer collaterals stimulation. Ex vivo two-photon microscopy experiments were performed to determine astrocytic Ca2+ and vascular responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS) or caged Ca2+ photolysis in hippocampal slices. Neuronal synaptic transmission, astrocytic endfeet Ca2+ in correlation with reactive oxygen species (ROS), and vascular reactivity in the presence or absence of Tempol, a mimetic of superoxide dismutase, were further investigated using electrophysiological, caged Ca2+ photolysis or pharmacological approaches. Whisker stimulation evoked-CBF increases and ex vivo vascular responses to EFS were impaired in APP mice compared with their age-matched controls. APP mice were also characterized by decreased basal synaptic transmission, a shorter astrocytic Ca2+ increase, and altered vascular response to elevated perivascular K+. However, long-term potentiation, astrocytic Ca2+ amplitude in response to EFS, together with vascular responses to nitric oxide remained unchanged. Importantly, we found a significantly increased Ca2+ uncaging-induced ROS production in APP mice. Tempol prevented the vascular response impairment while normalizing astrocytic Ca2+ in APP mice. These findings suggest that NVC is altered at many levels in APP mice, at least in part through oxidative stress. This points out that therapies against AD should include an antioxidative component to protect the neurovascular unit.

Neurovascular coupling in health and disease: lessons from transgenic mice

2002 ◽  
Vol 1235 ◽  
pp. 259-266
Author(s):  
Costantino Iadecola ◽  
Kiyoshi Niwa ◽  
Yi Zhang ◽  
Ken Kazama
Keyword(s):  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Neurovascular Coupling ◽  
Health And Disease
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