Vasoactive neuropeptide dysregulation: A novel mechanism of microvascular dysfunction in vascular cognitive impairment.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Neuropeptide dysregulation and microvascular injury are involved in pathogenesis of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI); however, the underlying etiology of this pathological axis remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated pathological mediators across varying severities of VCI in a rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). Proteomic analysis guided the evaluation of neuropeptide and non-neuropeptide markers associated with vascular and non-vascular dysfunction, which were correlated with cognitive function to determine their role in VCI.

Results

Proteomic analysis revealed vasomotor dysfunction as the primary pathological pathway in VCI. Microvascular vasoconstriction was the earliest and most persistent event, initiating a cascade of both microva

SUBMITTER: Tambo W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12635772 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature