Vascular smooth muscle cell-specific Igf1r deficiency exacerbates the development of hypertension-induced cerebral microhemorrhages and gait defects.

ABSTRACT: Cerebrovascular fragility and cerebral microhemorrhages (CMH) contribute to age-related cognitive impairment, mobility defects, and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia, impairing healthspan and reducing quality of life in the elderly. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a key vasoprotective growth factor that is reduced during aging. Circulating IGF-1 deficiency leads to the development of CMH and other signs of cerebrovascular dysfunction. Here our goal was to understand the contribution of IGF-1 signaling on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to the development of CMH and associated gait defects. We used an inducible VSMC-specific promoter and an IGF-1 receptor (Igf1r) floxed mouse line (Myh11-Cre^ERT2 Igf1r^f/f) to knockdown Igf1r. Angiotensin II in comb

SUBMITTER: Miller LR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11009188 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature