The neurovascular unit - concept review

The cerebral hyperaemia is one of the fundamental mechanisms for the central nervous system homeostasis. Due also to this mechanism, oxygen and nutrients are maintained in satisfactory levels, through vasodilation and vasoconstriction. The brain hyperaemia, or coupling, is accomplished by a group of...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta Physiologica 2014-04, Vol.210 (4), p.790-798
Main Authors: Muoio, V., Persson, P. B., Sendeski, M. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astrocytes - physiology
Blood Vessels - physiology
Brain - blood supply
cerebral hyperaemia
Homeostasis - physiology
Humans
Medical research
neurovascular unit
pericytes
Signal Transduction
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The cerebral hyperaemia is one of the fundamental mechanisms for the central nervous system homeostasis. Due also to this mechanism, oxygen and nutrients are maintained in satisfactory levels, through vasodilation and vasoconstriction. The brain hyperaemia, or coupling, is accomplished by a group of cells, closely related to each other; called neurovascular unit (NVU). The neurovascular unit is composed by neurones, astrocytes, endothelial cells of blood–brain barrier (BBB), myocytes, pericytes and extracellular matrix components. These cells, through their intimate anatomical and chemical relationship, detect the needs of neuronal supply and trigger necessary responses (vasodilation or vasoconstriction) for such demands. Here, we review the concepts of NVU, the coupling mechanisms and research strategies.
ISSN:1748-1708
1748-1716
DOI:10.1111/apha.12250