Stress-induced dysfunction of neurovascular astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex contributes to sex-dependent deficits in cognition and behavior.

ABSTRACT: Astrocytes form an integral component of the neurovascular unit, ensheathing brain blood vessels with endfeet high in aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression. These AQP4-rich endfeet facilitate interaction between the vascular endothelium, astrocytes, and neurons, and help stabilize vascular morphology. Studies using preclinical models of psychological stress and post-mortem tissue from patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have reported reductions in AQP4, loss of astrocytic structures, and vascular impairment in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Though compelling, the role of AQP4 in mediating stress-induced alterations in neurovascular function and behavior remains unclear. Here, we address this, alongside potential sex differences in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) effects on astrocyte phe

SUBMITTER: Bollinger JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12339369 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature