Intercellular Conduction Optimizes Arterial Network Function and Conserves Blood Flow Homeostasis During Cerebrovascular Challenges.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Cerebral arterial networks match blood flow delivery with neural activity. Neurovascular response begins with a stimulus and a focal change in vessel diameter, which by themselves is inconsequential to blood flow magnitude, until they spread and alter the contractile status of neighboring arterial segments. We sought to define the mechanisms underlying integrated vascular behavior and considered the role of intercellular electrical signaling in this phenomenon. Approach and Results: Electron microscopic and histochemical analysis revealed the structural coupling of cerebrovascular cells and the expression of gap junctional subunits at the cell interfaces, enabling intercellular signaling among vascular cells. Indeed, robust vasomotor conduction was detected in human and m

SUBMITTER: Zechariah A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7058668 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature