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Scarpellino G, Brunetti V, Berra-Romani R, De Sarro G, Guerra G, Soda T, Moccia F. The Unexpected Role of the Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase at the Neurovascular Unit: Beyond the Regulation of Cerebral Blood Flow. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9071. [PMID: 39201757 PMCID: PMC11354477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a highly versatile gasotransmitter that has first been shown to regulate cardiovascular function and then to exert tight control over a much broader range of processes, including neurotransmitter release, neuronal excitability, and synaptic plasticity. Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is usually far from the mind of synaptic neurophysiologists, who have focused most of their attention on neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) as the primary source of NO at the neurovascular unit (NVU). Nevertheless, the available evidence suggests that eNOS could also contribute to generating the burst of NO that, serving as volume intercellular messenger, is produced in response to neuronal activity in the brain parenchyma. Herein, we review the role of eNOS in both the regulation of cerebral blood flow and of synaptic plasticity and discuss the mechanisms by which cerebrovascular endothelial cells may transduce synaptic inputs into a NO signal. We further suggest that eNOS could play a critical role in vascular-to-neuronal communication by integrating signals converging onto cerebrovascular endothelial cells from both the streaming blood and active neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Scarpellino
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.S.); (V.B.)
| | - Valentina Brunetti
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.S.); (V.B.)
| | - Roberto Berra-Romani
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72410, Mexico;
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.D.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.D.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy;
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Mincic AM, Antal M, Filip L, Miere D. Modulation of gut microbiome in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:1832-1849. [PMID: 38878554 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Microbiota plays an essential role in maintaining body health, through positive influences on metabolic, defensive, and trophic processes and on intercellular communication. Imbalance in intestinal flora, with the proliferation of harmful bacterial species (dysbiosis) is consistently reported in chronic illnesses, including neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Correcting dysbiosis can have a beneficial impact on the symptoms and evolution of ND. This review examines the effects of microbiota modulation through administration of probiotics, prebiotics, symbiotics, or prebiotics' metabolites (postbiotics) in patients with ND like multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, Medline databases and ClinicalTrials.gov registry searches were performed using pre-/pro-/postbiotics and ND-related terms. Further references were obtained by checking relevant articles. RESULTS Although few compared to animal studies, the human studies generally show positive effects on disease-specific symptoms, overall health, metabolic parameters, on oxidative stress and immunological markers. Therapy with probiotics in various forms (mixtures of bacterial strains, fecal microbiota transplant, diets rich in fermented foods) exert favorable effects on patients' mental health, cognition, and quality of life, targeting pathogenetic ND mechanisms and inducing reparatory mechanisms at the cellular level. More encouraging results have been observed in prebiotic/postbiotic therapy in some ND. CONCLUSIONS The effects of probiotic-related interventions depend on the patients' ND stage and pre-existing allopathic medication. Further studies on larger cohorts and long term comprehensive neuropsychiatric, metabolic, biochemical testing, and neuroimaging monitoring are necessary to optimize therapeutic protocols in ND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina M Mincic
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania; Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Miklos Antal
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lorena Filip
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doina Miere
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Iuliu Hatieganu", Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Cibelli A, Ballesteros-Gomez D, McCutcheon S, Yang GL, Bispo A, Krawchuk M, Piedra G, Spray DC. Astrocytes sense glymphatic-level shear stress through the interaction of sphingosine-1-phosphate with Piezo1. iScience 2024; 27:110069. [PMID: 38868201 PMCID: PMC11167526 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte endfeet enwrap brain vasculature, forming a boundary for perivascular glymphatic flow of fluid and solutes along and across the astrocyte endfeet into the brain parenchyma. We evaluated astrocyte sensitivity to shear stress generated by such flow, finding a set point for downstream calcium signaling that is below about 0.1 dyn/cm2. This set point is modulated by albumin levels encountered in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) under normal conditions and following a blood-brain barrier breach or immune response. The astrocyte mechanosome responsible for the detection of shear stress includes sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-mediated sensitization of the mechanosensor Piezo1. Fluid flow through perivascular channels delimited by vessel wall and astrocyte endfeet thus generates sufficient shear stress to activate astrocytes, thereby potentially controlling vasomotion and parenchymal perfusion. Moreover, S1P receptor signaling establishes a set point for Piezo1 activation that is finely tuned to coincide with CSF albumin levels and to the low shear forces resulting from glymphatic flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cibelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | | | - Sean McCutcheon
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Greta L. Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ashley Bispo
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Michael Krawchuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Giselle Piedra
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - David C. Spray
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Bjerkan J, Kobal J, Lancaster G, Šešok S, Meglič B, McClintock PVE, Budohoski KP, Kirkpatrick PJ, Stefanovska A. The phase coherence of the neurovascular unit is reduced in Huntington's disease. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae166. [PMID: 38938620 PMCID: PMC11210076 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neuronal death leads to chorea and cognitive decline. Individuals with ≥40 cytosine-adenine-guanine repeats on the interesting transcript 15 gene develop Huntington's disease due to a mutated huntingtin protein. While the associated structural and molecular changes are well characterized, the alterations in neurovascular function that lead to the symptoms are not yet fully understood. Recently, the neurovascular unit has gained attention as a key player in neurodegenerative diseases. The mutant huntingtin protein is known to be present in the major parts of the neurovascular unit in individuals with Huntington's disease. However, a non-invasive assessment of neurovascular unit function in Huntington's disease has not yet been performed. Here, we investigate neurovascular interactions in presymptomatic (N = 13) and symptomatic (N = 15) Huntington's disease participants compared to healthy controls (N = 36). To assess the dynamics of oxygen transport to the brain, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, ECG and respiration effort were recorded. Simultaneously, neuronal activity was assessed using EEG. The resultant time series were analysed using methods for discerning time-resolved multiscale dynamics, such as wavelet transform power and wavelet phase coherence. Neurovascular phase coherence in the interval around 0.1 Hz is significantly reduced in both Huntington's disease groups. The presymptomatic Huntington's disease group has a lower power of oxygenation oscillations compared to controls. The spatial coherence of the oxygenation oscillations is lower in the symptomatic Huntington's disease group compared to the controls. The EEG phase coherence, especially in the α band, is reduced in both Huntington's disease groups and, to a significantly greater extent, in the symptomatic group. Our results show a reduced efficiency of the neurovascular unit in Huntington's disease both in the presymptomatic and symptomatic stages of the disease. The vasculature is already significantly impaired in the presymptomatic stage of the disease, resulting in reduced cerebral blood flow control. The results indicate vascular remodelling, which is most likely a compensatory mechanism. In contrast, the declines in α and γ coherence indicate a gradual deterioration of neuronal activity. The results raise the question of whether functional changes in the vasculature precede the functional changes in neuronal activity, which requires further investigation. The observation of altered dynamics paves the way for a simple method to monitor the progression of Huntington's disease non-invasively and evaluate the efficacy of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Bjerkan
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YB, UK
| | - Jan Kobal
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre, 1525 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gemma Lancaster
- Department of Physics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YB, UK
| | - Sanja Šešok
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre, 1525 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bernard Meglič
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre, 1525 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Karol P Budohoski
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Peter J Kirkpatrick
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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Li B, Zhao A, Tian T, Yang X. Mechanobiological insight into brain diseases based on mechanosensitive channels: Common mechanisms and clinical potential. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14809. [PMID: 38923822 PMCID: PMC11197048 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As physical signals, mechanical cues regulate the neural cells in the brain. The mechanosensitive channels (MSCs) perceive the mechanical cues and transduce them by permeating specific ions or molecules across the plasma membrane, and finally trigger a series of intracellular bioelectrical and biochemical signals. Emerging evidence supports that wide-distributed, high-expressed MSCs like Piezo1 play important roles in several neurophysiological processes and neurological disorders. AIMS To systematically conclude the functions of MSCs in the brain and provide a novel mechanobiological perspective for brain diseases. METHOD We summarized the mechanical cues and MSCs detected in the brain and the research progress on the functional roles of MSCs in physiological conditions. We then concluded the pathological activation and downstream pathways triggered by MSCs in two categories of brain diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and place-occupying damages. Finally, we outlined the methods for manipulating MSCs and discussed their medical potential with some crucial outstanding issues. RESULTS The MSCs present underlying common mechanisms in different brain diseases by acting as the "transportation hubs" to transduce the distinct signal patterns: the upstream mechanical cues and the downstream intracellular pathways. Manipulating the MSCs is feasible to alter the complicated downstream processes, providing them promising targets for clinical treatment. CONCLUSIONS Recent research on MSCs provides a novel insight into brain diseases. The common mechanisms mediated by MSCs inspire a wide range of therapeutic potentials targeted on MSCs in different brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolong Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenGuangdongChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of ScienceBeijingChina
| | - An‐ran Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenGuangdongChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of ScienceBeijingChina
- Faculty of Life and Health SciencesShenzhen University of Advanced TechnologyShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Tian Tian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Faculty of Life and Health SciencesShenzhen University of Advanced TechnologyShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Xin Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Faculty of Life and Health SciencesShenzhen University of Advanced TechnologyShenzhenGuangdongChina
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Zhi Y, Chen M, Zhou C, Yang Y, Huang Y, Liang X, Wang P, Cheng X, Mao C, Jiang Z, Dai Y, Peng B, Zhu J. Quantifying cerebral blood flow changes using arterial spin labeling: A comparative study of idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and Parkinson's disease. Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 109:158-164. [PMID: 38520943 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2024.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) have been found to have changes in cerebral perfusion and overlap of some of the lesioned brain areas. However, a consensus regarding the specific location and diagnostic significance of these cerebral blood perfusion alternations remains elusive in both iRBD and PD. The present study evaluated the patterns of cerebral blood flow changes in iRBD and PD. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 59 right-handed subjects were enrolled, including 15 patients with iRBD, 20 patients with PD, and 24 healthy controls (HC). They were randomly divided into groups at a ratio of 4 to 1 for training and testing. A PASL sequence was employed to obtain quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps. The CBF values were calculated from these acquired maps. In addition, AutoGluon was employed to construct a classifier for CBF features selection and classification. An independent t-test was performed for CBF variations, with age and sex as nuisance variables. The performance of the feature was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A significance level of P < 0.05 was considered significant. CBF in several brain regions, including the left median cingulate and paracingulate gyri and the right middle occipital gyrus (MOG), showed significant differences between PD and HC, demonstrating good classification performance. The combined model that integrates all features achieved even higher performance with an AUC of 0.9380. Additionally, CBF values in multiple brain regions, including the right MOG and the left angular gyrus, displayed significant differences between PD and iRBD. Particularly, CBF values in the left angular gyrus exhibited good performance in classifying PD and iRBD. The combined model achieved improved performance, with an AUC of 0.8533. No significant differences were found in brain regions when comparing CBF values between iRBD and HC subjects. CONCLUSIONS ASL-based quantitative CBF change features can offer reliable biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis of PD. Regarding the characteristic of CBF in the right MOG, it is anticipated to serve as an imaging biomarker for predicting the progression of iRBD to PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Zhi
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingshen Chen
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunshan Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223300, China
| | - Yongxu Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223300, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, Jiangsu 223300, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liang
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Clinical Innovation, Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200241, People's Republic of China; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Ping Wang
- Neuroimaging Innovation Center Barrow Neurological Institute 350 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Cheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjie Mao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yakang Dai
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bo Peng
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215163, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiangtao Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, People's Republic of China.
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Li Z, Jiang YY, Long C, Peng X, Tao J, Pu Y, Yue R. Bridging metabolic syndrome and cognitive dysfunction: role of astrocytes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1393253. [PMID: 38800473 PMCID: PMC11116704 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1393253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive dysfunction pose significant challenges to global health and the economy. Systemic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and autoregulatory impairment drive neurodegeneration and microcirculatory damage in MetS. Due to their unique anatomy and function, astrocytes sense and integrate multiple metabolic signals, including peripheral endocrine hormones and nutrients. Astrocytes and synapses engage in a complex dialogue of energetic and immunological interactions. Astrocytes act as a bridge between MetS and cognitive dysfunction, undergoing diverse activation in response to metabolic dysfunction. This article summarizes the alterations in astrocyte phenotypic characteristics across multiple pathological factors in MetS. It also discusses the clinical value of astrocytes as a critical pathologic diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target for MetS-associated cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-yi Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Caiyi Long
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Peng
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiajing Tao
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueheng Pu
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rensong Yue
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Medical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Hamel R, Oyler R, Harms E, Bailey R, Rendeiro C, Jenkinson N. Dietary Cocoa Flavanols Do Not Alter Brain Excitability in Young Healthy Adults. Nutrients 2024; 16:969. [PMID: 38613003 PMCID: PMC11013095 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The ingestion of dietary cocoa flavanols acutely alters functions of the cerebral endothelium, but whether the effects of flavanols permeate beyond this to alter other brain functions remains unclear. Based on converging evidence, this work tested the hypothesis that cocoa flavanols would alter brain excitability in young healthy adults. In a randomised, cross-over, double-blinded, placebo-controlled design, transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess corticospinal and intracortical excitability before as well as 1 and 2 h post-ingestion of a beverage containing either high (695 mg flavanols, 150 mg (-)-epicatechin) or low levels (5 mg flavanols, 0 mg (-)-epicatechin) of cocoa flavanols. In addition to this acute intervention, the effects of a short-term chronic intervention where the same cocoa flavanol doses were ingested once a day for 5 consecutive days were also investigated. For both the acute and chronic interventions, the results revealed no robust alteration in corticospinal or intracortical excitability. One possibility is that cocoa flavanols yield no net effect on brain excitability, but predominantly alter functions of the cerebral endothelium in young healthy adults. Future studies should increase intervention durations to maximize the acute and chronic accumulation of flavanols in the brain, and further investigate if cocoa flavanols would be more effective at altering brain excitability in older adults and clinical populations than in younger adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Hamel
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rebecca Oyler
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Evie Harms
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rosamond Bailey
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Catarina Rendeiro
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ned Jenkinson
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Feng L, Gao L. The role of neurovascular coupling dysfunction in cognitive decline of diabetes patients. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1375908. [PMID: 38576869 PMCID: PMC10991808 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1375908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is an important mechanism to ensure adequate blood supply to active neurons in the brain. NVC damage can lead to chronic impairment of neuronal function. Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar and is considered an important risk factor for cognitive impairment. In this review, we provide fMRI evidence of NVC damage in diabetic patients with cognitive decline. Combined with the exploration of the major mechanisms and signaling pathways of NVC, we discuss the effects of chronic hyperglycemia on the cellular structure of NVC signaling, including key receptors, ion channels, and intercellular connections. Studying these diabetes-related changes in cell structure will help us understand the underlying causes behind diabetes-induced NVC damage and early cognitive decline, ultimately helping to identify the most effective drug targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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10
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De Falco E, Solcà M, Bernasconi F, Babo-Rebelo M, Young N, Sammartino F, Tallon-Baudry C, Navarro V, Rezai AR, Krishna V, Blanke O. Single neurons in the thalamus and subthalamic nucleus process cardiac and respiratory signals in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316365121. [PMID: 38451949 PMCID: PMC10945861 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316365121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral signals are constantly processed by our central nervous system, enable homeostatic regulation, and influence perception, emotion, and cognition. While visceral processes at the cortical level have been extensively studied using non-invasive imaging techniques, very few studies have investigated how this information is processed at the single neuron level, both in humans and animals. Subcortical regions, relaying signals from peripheral interoceptors to cortical structures, are particularly understudied and how visceral information is processed in thalamic and subthalamic structures remains largely unknown. Here, we took advantage of intraoperative microelectrode recordings in patients undergoing surgery for deep brain stimulation (DBS) to investigate the activity of single neurons related to cardiac and respiratory functions in three subcortical regions: ventral intermedius nucleus (Vim) and ventral caudalis nucleus (Vc) of the thalamus, and subthalamic nucleus (STN). We report that the activity of a large portion of the recorded neurons (about 70%) was modulated by either the heartbeat, the cardiac inter-beat interval, or the respiration. These cardiac and respiratory response patterns varied largely across neurons both in terms of timing and their kind of modulation. A substantial proportion of these visceral neurons (30%) was responsive to more than one of the tested signals, underlining specialization and integration of cardiac and respiratory signals in STN and thalamic neurons. By extensively describing single unit activity related to cardiorespiratory function in thalamic and subthalamic neurons, our results highlight the major role of these subcortical regions in the processing of visceral signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela De Falco
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne1015, Switzerland
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute–West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV26505
| | - Marco Solcà
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne1015, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva1205, Switzerland
| | - Fosco Bernasconi
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne1015, Switzerland
| | - Mariana Babo-Rebelo
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne1015, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Young
- Medical Department, SpecialtyCare, Brentwood, TN37027
| | - Francesco Sammartino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH43210
| | - Catherine Tallon-Baudry
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Computationnelles, Département d’Etudes Cognitives, École normale supérieure-Paris Sciences et Lettres University, Inserm, Paris75005, France
| | - Vincent Navarro
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm, CNRS, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Epilepsy Unit, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris75013, France
| | - Ali R. Rezai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute—West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV26505
| | - Vibhor Krishna
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Durham, NC27516
| | - Olaf Blanke
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Neuro-X Institute and Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne1015, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva1205, Switzerland
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11
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Jammal Salameh L, Bitzenhofer SH, Hanganu-Opatz IL, Dutschmann M, Egger V. Blood pressure pulsations modulate central neuronal activity via mechanosensitive ion channels. Science 2024; 383:eadk8511. [PMID: 38301001 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk8511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The transmission of the heartbeat through the cerebral vascular system causes intracranial pressure pulsations. We discovered that arterial pressure pulsations can directly modulate central neuronal activity. In a semi-intact rat brain preparation, vascular pressure pulsations elicited correlated local field oscillations in the olfactory bulb mitral cell layer. These oscillations did not require synaptic transmission but reflected baroreceptive transduction in mitral cells. This transduction was mediated by a fast excitatory mechanosensitive ion channel and modulated neuronal spiking activity. In awake animals, the heartbeat entrained the activity of a subset of olfactory bulb neurons within ~20 milliseconds. Thus, we propose that this fast, intrinsic interoceptive mechanism can modulate perception-for example, during arousal-within the olfactory bulb and possibly across various other brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Jammal Salameh
- Neurophysiology Group, Zoological Institute, Regensburg University, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian H Bitzenhofer
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Institute of Developmental Neurophysiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg Center of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Dutschmann
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Veronica Egger
- Neurophysiology Group, Zoological Institute, Regensburg University, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
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12
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Nippert AR, Chiang PP, Newman EA. Whisker-evoked neurovascular coupling is preserved during hypoglycemia in mouse cortical arterioles and capillaries. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:155-168. [PMID: 37728791 PMCID: PMC10993878 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231201241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Hypoglycemia is a serious complication of insulin treatment of diabetes that can lead to coma and death. Neurovascular coupling, which mediates increased local blood flow in response to neuronal activity, increases glucose availability to active neurons. This mechanism could be essential for neuronal health during hypoglycemia, when total glucose supplies are low. Previous studies suggest, however, that neurovascular coupling (a transient blood flow increase in response to an increase in neuronal activity) may be reduced during hypoglycemia. Such a reduction in blood flow increase would exacerbate the effects of hypoglycemia, depriving active neurons of glucose. We have reexamined the effects of hypoglycemia on neurovascular coupling by simultaneously monitoring neuronal and vascular responses to whisker stimulation in the awake mouse somatosensory cortex. We find that neurovascular coupling at both penetrating arterioles and at 2nd order capillaries did not change significantly during insulin-induced hypoglycemia compared to euglycemia. In addition, we show that the basal diameter of both arterioles and capillaries increases during hypoglycemia (10.3 and 9.7% increases, respectively). Our results demonstrate that both neurovascular coupling and basal increases in vessel diameter are active mechanisms which help to maintain an adequate supply of glucose to the brain during hypoglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric A Newman
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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13
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Ballesteros-Gomez D, McCutcheon S, Yang GL, Cibelli A, Bispo A, Krawchuk M, Piedra G, Spray DC. Astrocyte sensitivity to glymphatic shear stress is amplified by albumin and mediated by the interaction of sphingosine 1 phosphate with Piezo1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.06.565884. [PMID: 37986983 PMCID: PMC10659372 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.06.565884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte endfeet enwrap brain vasculature, forming a boundary for perivascular glymphatic flow of fluid and solutes along and across the astrocyte endfeet into the brain parenchyma. To determine whether astrocytes may sense and respond to the shear forces generated by glymphatic flow, we examined intracellular calcium (Ca 2+ ) changes evoked in astrocytes to brief fluid flow applied in calibrated microfluidic chambers. Shear stresses < 20 dyn/cm 2 failed to evoke Ca 2+ responses in the absence of albumin, but cells responded to shear stress below 1 dyn/cm 2 when as little as 5 μM albumin was present in flow medium. A role for extracellular matrix in mechanotransduction was indicated by reduced sensitivity after degradation of heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) amplified shear responses in the absence of albumin, whereas mechanosensitivity was attenuated by the S1P receptor blocker fingolimod. Piezo1 participated in the transduction as revealed by blockade by the spider toxin GsMTX and amplification by the chemical modulator Yoda1, even in absence of albumin or S1P. Our findings that astrocytes are exquisitely sensitive to shear stress and that sensitivity is greatly amplified by albumin concentrations encountered in normal and pathological CSF predict that perivascular astrocytes are responsive to glymphatic shear stress and that responsiveness is augmented by elevated CSF protein. S1P receptor signaling thus establishes a setpoint for Piezo1 activation that is finely tuned to coincide with albumin level in CSF and to the low shear forces resulting from glymphatic flow. Graphical abstract Astrocyte endfoot responds to glymphatic shear stress when albumin is present. Mechanism involves sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) binding to its receptor (S1PR), activating phospholipase C (PLC) and thereby sensitizing the response of Piezo1 to flow. Ca 2+ influx triggers Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores and further downstream signaling, thereby modulating parenchymal perfusion. Illustration created using BioRender.com.
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14
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Alarcon-Martinez L, Shiga Y, Villafranca-Baughman D, Cueva Vargas JL, Vidal Paredes IA, Quintero H, Fortune B, Danesh-Meyer H, Di Polo A. Neurovascular dysfunction in glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 97:101217. [PMID: 37778617 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells, the neurons that die in glaucoma, are endowed with a high metabolism requiring optimal provision of oxygen and nutrients to sustain their activity. The timely regulation of blood flow is, therefore, essential to supply firing neurons in active areas with the oxygen and glucose they need for energy. Many glaucoma patients suffer from vascular deficits including reduced blood flow, impaired autoregulation, neurovascular coupling dysfunction, and blood-retina/brain-barrier breakdown. These processes are tightly regulated by a community of cells known as the neurovascular unit comprising neurons, endothelial cells, pericytes, Müller cells, astrocytes, and microglia. In this review, the neurovascular unit takes center stage as we examine the ability of its members to regulate neurovascular interactions and how their function might be altered during glaucomatous stress. Pericytes receive special attention based on recent data demonstrating their key role in the regulation of neurovascular coupling in physiological and pathological conditions. Of particular interest is the discovery and characterization of tunneling nanotubes, thin actin-based conduits that connect distal pericytes, which play essential roles in the complex spatial and temporal distribution of blood within the retinal capillary network. We discuss cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurovascular interactions and their pathophysiological implications, while highlighting opportunities to develop strategies for vascular protection and regeneration to improve functional outcomes in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yukihiro Shiga
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Deborah Villafranca-Baughman
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jorge L Cueva Vargas
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isaac A Vidal Paredes
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Heberto Quintero
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brad Fortune
- Discoveries in Sight Research Laboratories, Devers Eye Institute and Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Healthy, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Helen Danesh-Meyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montreal, QC, Canada; Neuroscience Division, Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint Denis Street, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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15
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Engelen T, Solcà M, Tallon-Baudry C. Interoceptive rhythms in the brain. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:1670-1684. [PMID: 37697110 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01425-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Sensing internal bodily signals, or interoception, is fundamental to maintain life. However, interoception should not be viewed as an isolated domain, as it interacts with exteroception, cognition and action to ensure the integrity of the organism. Focusing on cardiac, respiratory and gastric rhythms, we review evidence that interoception is anatomically and functionally intertwined with the processing of signals from the external environment. Interactions arise at all stages, from the peripheral transduction of interoceptive signals to sensory processing and cortical integration, in a network that extends beyond core interoceptive regions. Interoceptive rhythms contribute to functions ranging from perceptual detection up to sense of self, or conversely compete with external inputs. Renewed interest in interoception revives long-standing issues on how the brain integrates and coordinates information in distributed regions, by means of oscillatory synchrony, predictive coding or multisensory integration. Considering interoception and exteroception in the same framework paves the way for biological modes of information processing specific to living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahnée Engelen
- Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience Laboratory, Inserm, Ecole Normale Supérieure PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Marco Solcà
- Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience Laboratory, Inserm, Ecole Normale Supérieure PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Tallon-Baudry
- Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience Laboratory, Inserm, Ecole Normale Supérieure PSL University, Paris, France.
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16
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Corcoran AW, Perrykkad K, Feuerriegel D, Robinson JE. Body as First Teacher: The Role of Rhythmic Visceral Dynamics in Early Cognitive Development. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2023:17456916231185343. [PMID: 37694720 DOI: 10.1177/17456916231185343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Embodied cognition-the idea that mental states and processes should be understood in relation to one's bodily constitution and interactions with the world-remains a controversial topic within cognitive science. Recently, however, increasing interest in predictive processing theories among proponents and critics of embodiment alike has raised hopes of a reconciliation. This article sets out to appraise the unificatory potential of predictive processing, focusing in particular on embodied formulations of active inference. Our analysis suggests that most active-inference accounts invoke weak, potentially trivial conceptions of embodiment; those making stronger claims do so independently of the theoretical commitments of the active-inference framework. We argue that a more compelling version of embodied active inference can be motivated by adopting a diachronic perspective on the way rhythmic physiological activity shapes neural development in utero. According to this visceral afferent training hypothesis, early-emerging physiological processes are essential not only for supporting the biophysical development of neural structures but also for configuring the cognitive architecture those structures entail. Focusing in particular on the cardiovascular system, we propose three candidate mechanisms through which visceral afferent training might operate: (a) activity-dependent neuronal development, (b) periodic signal modeling, and (c) oscillatory network coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Corcoran
- Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, Monash University
- Cognition and Philosophy Laboratory, School of Philosophical, Historical, and International Studies, Monash University
| | - Kelsey Perrykkad
- Cognition and Philosophy Laboratory, School of Philosophical, Historical, and International Studies, Monash University
| | | | - Jonathan E Robinson
- Cognition and Philosophy Laboratory, School of Philosophical, Historical, and International Studies, Monash University
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17
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Bjerkan J, Lancaster G, Meglič B, Kobal J, Crawford TJ, McClintock PVE, Stefanovska A. Aging affects the phase coherence between spontaneous oscillations in brain oxygenation and neural activity. Brain Res Bull 2023; 201:110704. [PMID: 37451471 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The risk of neurodegenerative disorders increases with age, due to reduced vascular nutrition and impaired neural function. However, the interactions between cardiovascular dynamics and neural activity, and how these interactions evolve in healthy aging, are not well understood. Here, the interactions are studied by assessment of the phase coherence between spontaneous oscillations in cerebral oxygenation measured by fNIRS, the electrical activity of the brain measured by EEG, and cardiovascular functions extracted from ECG and respiration effort, all simultaneously recorded. Signals measured at rest in 21 younger participants (31.1 ± 6.9 years) and 24 older participants (64.9 ± 6.9 years) were analysed by wavelet transform, wavelet phase coherence and ridge extraction for frequencies between 0.007 and 4 Hz. Coherence between the neural and oxygenation oscillations at ∼ 0.1 Hz is significantly reduced in the older adults in 46/176 fNIRS-EEG probe combinations. This reduction in coherence cannot be accounted for in terms of reduced power, thus indicating that neurovascular interactions change with age. The approach presented promises a noninvasive means of evaluating the efficiency of the neurovascular unit in aging and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Bjerkan
- Lancaster University, Department of Physics, LA1 4YB, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Lancaster
- Lancaster University, Department of Physics, LA1 4YB, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Bernard Meglič
- University of Ljubljana Medical Centre, Department of Neurology, 1525, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jan Kobal
- University of Ljubljana Medical Centre, Department of Neurology, 1525, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Trevor J Crawford
- Lancaster University, Department of Psychology, LA1 4YF, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aneta Stefanovska
- Lancaster University, Department of Physics, LA1 4YB, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
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18
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Abha Mishra KM, Podili R, Pathlavath TS, Sethi KK. A critical review on brain and heart axis response in COVID-19 patients: Molecular mechanisms, mediators, biomarkers, and therapeutics. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23409. [PMID: 37341157 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of highly virulent coronaviruses, significant interest was assessed to the brain and heart axis (BHA) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-affected patients. The majority of clinical reports accounted for unusual symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections which are of the neurological type, such as headache, nausea, dysgeusia, anosmia, and cerebral infarction. The SARS-CoV-2 enters the cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE-2) receptor. Patients with prior cardiovascular disease (CVD) have a higher risk of COVID-19 infection and it has related to various cardiovascular (CV) complications. Infected patients with pre-existing CVDs are also particularly exposed to critical health outcomes. Overall, COVID-19 affected patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) and exposed to stressful environmental constraints, featured with a cluster of neurological and CV complications. In this review, we summarized the main contributions in the literature on how SARS-CoV-2 could interfere with the BHA and its role in affecting multiorgan disorders. Specifically, the central nervous system involvement, mainly in relation to CV alterations in COVID-19-affected patients, is considered. This review also emphasizes the biomarkers and therapy options for COVID-19 patients presenting with CV problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Abha Mishra
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Runesh Podili
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Teja S Pathlavath
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Kalyan K Sethi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati, Assam, India
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19
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Abstract
Astrocyte endfeet enwrap the entire vascular tree within the central nervous system, where they perform important functions in regulating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), cerebral blood flow, nutrient uptake, and waste clearance. Accordingly, astrocyte endfeet contain specialized organelles and proteins, including local protein translation machinery and highly organized scaffold proteins, which anchor channels, transporters, receptors, and enzymes critical for astrocyte-vascular interactions. Many neurological diseases are characterized by the loss of polarization of specific endfoot proteins, vascular dysregulation, BBB disruption, altered waste clearance, or, in extreme cases, loss of endfoot coverage. A role for astrocyte endfeet has been demonstrated or postulated in many of these conditions. This review provides an overview of the development, composition, function, and pathological changes of astrocyte endfeet and highlights the gaps in our knowledge that future research should address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Díaz-Castro
- UK Dementia Research Institute and Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK;
| | - Stefanie Robel
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA;
| | - Anusha Mishra
- Department of Neurology Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research and Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA;
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20
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Tallon-Baudry C. Interoception: Probing internal state is inherent to perception and cognition. Neuron 2023; 111:1854-1857. [PMID: 37160115 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Interoception, i.e. the perception of the organism physiological state, jointly operates with perception and cognition, including when homeostatic balance is not particularly challenged. Studying interoception offers new leads to understanding the link between internal state, neural activity, and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Tallon-Baudry
- LNC(2), Département d'études cognitives, Ecole normale supérieure, Université PSL, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France.
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21
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Russo AF, Hay DL. CGRP physiology, pharmacology, and therapeutic targets: migraine and beyond. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1565-1644. [PMID: 36454715 PMCID: PMC9988538 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00059.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide with diverse physiological functions. Its two isoforms (α and β) are widely expressed throughout the body in sensory neurons as well as in other cell types, such as motor neurons and neuroendocrine cells. CGRP acts via at least two G protein-coupled receptors that form unusual complexes with receptor activity-modifying proteins. These are the CGRP receptor and the AMY1 receptor; in rodents, additional receptors come into play. Although CGRP is known to produce many effects, the precise molecular identity of the receptor(s) that mediates CGRP effects is seldom clear. Despite the many enigmas still in CGRP biology, therapeutics that target the CGRP axis to treat or prevent migraine are a bench-to-bedside success story. This review provides a contextual background on the regulation and sites of CGRP expression and CGRP receptor pharmacology. The physiological actions of CGRP in the nervous system are discussed, along with updates on CGRP actions in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, immune, hematopoietic, and reproductive systems and metabolic effects of CGRP in muscle and adipose tissues. We cover how CGRP in these systems is associated with disease states, most notably migraine. In this context, we discuss how CGRP actions in both the peripheral and central nervous systems provide a basis for therapeutic targeting of CGRP in migraine. Finally, we highlight potentially fertile ground for the development of additional therapeutics and combinatorial strategies that could be designed to modulate CGRP signaling for migraine and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F Russo
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Center, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Debbie L Hay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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22
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Sompol P, Gollihue JL, Weiss BE, Lin RL, Case SL, Kraner SD, Weekman EM, Gant JC, Rogers CB, Niedowicz DM, Sudduth TL, Powell DK, Lin AL, Nelson PT, Thibault O, Wilcock DM, Norris CM. Targeting Astrocyte Signaling Alleviates Cerebrovascular and Synaptic Function Deficits in a Diet-Based Mouse Model of Small Cerebral Vessel Disease. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1797-1813. [PMID: 36746627 PMCID: PMC10010459 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1333-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the indispensable role that astrocytes play in the neurovascular unit, few studies have investigated the functional impact of astrocyte signaling in cognitive decline and dementia related to vascular pathology. Diet-mediated induction of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) recapitulates numerous features of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Here, we used astrocyte targeting approaches to evaluate astrocyte Ca2+ dysregulation and the impact of aberrant astrocyte signaling on cerebrovascular dysfunction and synapse impairment in male and female HHcy diet mice. Two-photon imaging conducted in fully awake mice revealed activity-dependent Ca2+ dysregulation in barrel cortex astrocytes under HHcy. Stimulation of contralateral whiskers elicited larger Ca2+ transients in individual astrocytes of HHcy diet mice compared with control diet mice. However, evoked Ca2+ signaling across astrocyte networks was impaired in HHcy mice. HHcy also was associated with increased activation of the Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NFAT4, which has been linked previously to the reactive astrocyte phenotype and synapse dysfunction in amyloid and brain injury models. Targeting the NFAT inhibitor VIVIT to astrocytes, using adeno-associated virus vectors, led to reduced GFAP promoter activity in HHcy diet mice and improved functional hyperemia in arterioles and capillaries. VIVIT expression in astrocytes also preserved CA1 synaptic function and improved spontaneous alternation performance on the Y maze. Together, the results demonstrate that aberrant astrocyte signaling can impair the major functional properties of the neurovascular unit (i.e., cerebral vessel regulation and synaptic regulation) and may therefore represent a promising drug target for treating VCID and possibly Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The impact of reactive astrocytes in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated Ca2+ responses and signaling in barrel cortex astrocytes of mice fed with a B-vitamin deficient diet that induces hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), cerebral vessel disease, and cognitive decline. Multiphoton imaging in awake mice with HHcy revealed augmented Ca2+ responses in individual astrocytes, but impaired signaling across astrocyte networks. Stimulation-evoked arteriole dilation and elevated red blood cell velocity in capillaries were also impaired in cortex of awake HHcy mice. Astrocyte-specific inhibition of the Ca2+-dependent transcription factor, NFAT, normalized cerebrovascular function in HHcy mice, improved synaptic properties in brain slices, and stabilized cognition. Results suggest that astrocytes are a mechanism and possible therapeutic target for vascular-related dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradoldej Sompol
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | - Blaine E Weiss
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Ruei-Lung Lin
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Sami L Case
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | | | - John C Gant
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | | | | | | | - Ai-Ling Lin
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | - Peter T Nelson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Pathology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
| | - Olivier Thibault
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
| | | | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Departments of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences
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23
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Percie du Sert O, Unrau J, Gauthier CJ, Chakravarty M, Malla A, Lepage M, Raucher-Chéné D. Cerebral blood flow in schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of MRI-based studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 121:110669. [PMID: 36341843 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD) represent one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and are usually underpinned by neurodevelopmental brain abnormalities observed on a structural and functional level. Nuclear medicine imaging studies of cerebral blood flow (CBF) have already provided insights into the pathophysiology of these disorders. Recent developments in non-invasive MRI techniques such as arterial spin labeling (ASL) have allowed broader examination of CBF across SSD prompting us to conduct an updated literature review of MRI-based perfusion studies. In addition, we conducted a focused meta-analysis of whole brain studies to provide a complete picture of the literature on the topic. METHODS A systematic OVID search was performed in Embase, MEDLINEOvid, and PsycINFO. Studies eligible for inclusion in the review involved: 1) individuals with SSD, first-episode psychosis or clinical-high risk for psychosis, or; 2) had healthy controls for comparison; 3) involved MRI-based perfusion imaging methods; and 4) reported CBF findings. No time span was specified for the database queries (last search: 08/2022). Information related to participants, MRI techniques, CBF analyses, and results were systematically extracted. Whole-brain studies were then selected for the meta-analysis procedure. The methodological quality of each included studies was assessed. RESULTS For the systematic review, the initial Ovid search yielded 648 publications of which 42 articles were included, representing 3480 SSD patients and controls. The most consistent finding was that negative symptoms were linked to cortical fronto-limbic hypoperfusion while positive symptoms seemed to be associated with hyperperfusion, notably in subcortical structures. The meta-analysis integrated results from 13 whole-brain studies, across 426 patients and 401 controls, and confirmed the robustness of the hypoperfusion in the left superior and middle frontal gyri and right middle occipital gyrus while hyperperfusion was found in the left putamen. CONCLUSION This updated review of the literature supports the implication of hemodynamic correlates in the pathophysiology of psychosis symptoms and disorders. A more systematic exploration of brain perfusion could complete the search of a multimodal biomarker of SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Percie du Sert
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joshua Unrau
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Claudine J Gauthier
- Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mallar Chakravarty
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ashok Malla
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Lepage
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Delphine Raucher-Chéné
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada; University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Cognition, Health, and Society Laboratory (EA 6291), Reims, France; Academic Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Reims, EPSM Marne, Reims, France
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Klug NR, Sancho M, Gonzales AL, Heppner TJ, O’Brien RIC, Hill-Eubanks D, Nelson MT. Intraluminal pressure elevates intracellular calcium and contracts CNS pericytes: Role of voltage-dependent calcium channels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2216421120. [PMID: 36802432 PMCID: PMC9992766 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216421120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Arteriolar smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and capillary pericytes dynamically regulate blood flow in the central nervous system in the face of fluctuating perfusion pressures. Pressure-induced depolarization and Ca2+ elevation provide a mechanism for regulation of SMC contraction, but whether pericytes participate in pressure-induced changes in blood flow remains unknown. Here, utilizing a pressurized whole-retina preparation, we found that increases in intraluminal pressure in the physiological range induce contraction of both dynamically contractile pericytes in the arteriole-proximate transition zone and distal pericytes of the capillary bed. We found that the contractile response to pressure elevation was slower in distal pericytes than in transition zone pericytes and arteriolar SMCs. Pressure-evoked elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ and contractile responses in SMCs were dependent on voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) activity. In contrast, Ca2+ elevation and contractile responses were partially dependent on VDCC activity in transition zone pericytes and independent of VDCC activity in distal pericytes. In both transition zone and distal pericytes, membrane potential at low inlet pressure (20 mmHg) was approximately -40 mV and was depolarized to approximately -30 mV by an increase in pressure to 80 mmHg. The magnitude of whole-cell VDCC currents in freshly isolated pericytes was approximately half that measured in isolated SMCs. Collectively, these results indicate a loss of VDCC involvement in pressure-induced constriction along the arteriole-capillary continuum. They further suggest that alternative mechanisms and kinetics of Ca2+ elevation, contractility, and blood flow regulation exist in central nervous system capillary networks, distinguishing them from neighboring arterioles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R. Klug
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT05405
| | - Maria Sancho
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT05405
| | - Albert L. Gonzales
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT05405
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV89557
| | - Thomas J. Heppner
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT05405
| | | | - David Hill-Eubanks
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT05405
| | - Mark T. Nelson
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT05405
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
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25
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Drew PJ. Neurovascular coupling: motive unknown. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:809-819. [PMID: 35995628 PMCID: PMC9768528 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the brain, increases in neural activity drive changes in local blood flow via neurovascular coupling. The common explanation for increased blood flow (known as functional hyperemia) is that it supplies the metabolic needs of active neurons. However, there is a large body of evidence that is inconsistent with this idea. Baseline blood flow is adequate to supply oxygen needs even with elevated neural activity. Neurovascular coupling is irregular, absent, or inverted in many brain regions, behavioral states, and conditions. Increases in respiration can increase brain oxygenation without flow changes. Simulations show that given the architecture of the brain vasculature, areas of low blood flow are inescapable and cannot be removed by functional hyperemia. As discussed in this article, potential alternative functions of neurovascular coupling include supplying oxygen for neuromodulator synthesis, brain temperature regulation, signaling to neurons, stabilizing and optimizing the cerebral vascular structure, accommodating the non-Newtonian nature of blood, and driving the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Drew
- Center for Neural Engineering, Departments of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Neurosurgery, Biology, and Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, W-317 Millennium Science Complex, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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26
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O'Herron PJ, Hartmann DA, Xie K, Kara P, Shih AY. 3D optogenetic control of arteriole diameter in vivo. eLife 2022; 11:e72802. [PMID: 36107146 PMCID: PMC9481242 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of brain arteriole diameter is critical for maintaining cerebral blood pressure and controlling regional hyperemia during neural activity. However, studies of hemodynamic function in health and disease have lacked a method to control arteriole diameter independently with high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we describe an all-optical approach to manipulate and monitor brain arteriole contractility in mice in three dimensions using combined in vivo two-photon optogenetics and imaging. The expression of the red-shifted excitatory opsin, ReaChR, in vascular smooth muscle cells enabled rapid and repeated vasoconstriction controlled by brief light pulses. Two-photon activation of ReaChR using a spatial light modulator produced highly localized constrictions when targeted to individual arterioles within the neocortex. We demonstrate the utility of this method for examining arteriole contractile dynamics and creating transient focal blood flow reductions. Additionally, we show that optogenetic constriction can be used to reshape vasodilatory responses to sensory stimulation, providing a valuable tool to dissociate blood flow changes from neural activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J O'Herron
- Department of Physiology, Augusta UniversityAugustaUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
| | - David A Hartmann
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Kun Xie
- Department of Physiology, Augusta UniversityAugustaUnited States
| | - Prakash Kara
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of MinnesotaMinneapolisUnited States
| | - Andy Y Shih
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South CarolinaCharlestonUnited States
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children’s Research InstituteSeattleUnited States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
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27
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Chambers LC, Diaz-Otero JM, Fisher CL, Jackson WF, Dorrance AM. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism improves transient receptor potential vanilloid 4-dependent dilation of cerebral parenchymal arterioles and cognition in a genetic model of hypertension. J Hypertens 2022; 40:1722-1734. [PMID: 35943101 PMCID: PMC9373385 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In a model of secondary hypertension, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonism during the development of hypertension prevents the impairment of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) activation in parenchymal arterioles (PAs) and cognitive impairment. However, it is unknown whether MR antagonism can improve these impairments when treatment begins after the onset of essential hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that MR activation in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) leads to impaired TRPV4-mediated dilation in PAs that is associated with cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation. METHODS 20-22-week-old male SHRSP ± eplerenone (EPL; 100 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks) were compared to normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Pressure myography was used to assess PA function. Cognition was tested using Y-maze. Neuroinflammation was assessed using immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. RESULTS Carbachol-mediated endothelium-dependent dilation was impaired in SHRSP, and MR antagonism improved this without affecting myogenic tone. Dilation to TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A was impaired in SHRSP, and ELP treatment restored this. Intermediate conductance potassium channel (IKCa)/small conductance potassium channel (SKCa)-mediated dilation was impaired by hypertension and unaffected by EPL treatment. TRPV4 and IKCa/SKCa channel mRNA expression were reduced in PAs from hypertensive rats, and EPL did not improve this. Impairments in PA dilation in SHRSP were associated with cognitive decline, microglial activation, reactive astrogliosis, and neuroinflammation; cognitive and inflammatory changes were improved with MR blockade. CONCLUSIONS These data advance our understanding of the effects of hypertension on cerebral arterioles using a clinically relevant model and treatment paradigm. Our studies suggest TRPV4 and the MR are potential therapeutic targets to improve cerebrovascular function and cognition during hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Chambers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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28
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Altamura C, Brunelli N, Marcosano M, Fofi L, Vernieri F. Gepants - a long way to cure: a narrative review. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:5697-5708. [PMID: 35650458 PMCID: PMC9159895 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06184-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is probably the most potent vasodilator in cerebral circulation. Forty years after its discovery, the new CGRP-targeted therapy monoclonal antibodies, and the small molecule gepants, are now available for clinical practice. While randomized controlled trials and real-world experience consistently demonstrated the high efficacy and tolerability of monoclonal antibodies, limited evidence is available to characterize gepants fully. Depending on pharmacokinetics, these CGRP receptor antagonists can be used for acute (ubrogepant, rimegepant, and the not yet approved zavegepant) or preventive (atogepant and rimegepant) migraine treatment. Randomized placebo-controlled trials demonstrated gepants efficacy in treating acute attacks to obtain 2 h pain freedom in about 20% of patients and pain relief in about 60%, while up to 60% of treated patients with episodic migraine may experience a 50% reduction in monthly migraine days. The most common treatment-related emergent adverse events were gastrointestinal (nausea, constipation) for the acute or preventive use. No vascular or hepatic concerns have emerged so far. More studies are ongoing to investigate gepant tolerability and safety also if associated with monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP and other therapeutic classes. Gepants are also under investigation to treat other painful and non-painful conditions. Real-life studies are necessary to confirm the trials’ findings and investigate more practical clinical aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Altamura
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Brunelli
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Marcosano
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Fofi
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vernieri
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico Di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
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29
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Guilbert J, Légaré A, De Koninck P, Desrosiers P, Desjardins M. Toward an integrative neurovascular framework for studying brain networks. NEUROPHOTONICS 2022; 9:032211. [PMID: 35434179 PMCID: PMC8989057 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.9.3.032211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Brain functional connectivity based on the measure of blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals has become one of the most widely used measurements in human neuroimaging. However, the nature of the functional networks revealed by BOLD fMRI can be ambiguous, as highlighted by a recent series of experiments that have suggested that typical resting-state networks can be replicated from purely vascular or physiologically driven BOLD signals. After going through a brief review of the key concepts of brain network analysis, we explore how the vascular and neuronal systems interact to give rise to the brain functional networks measured with BOLD fMRI. This leads us to emphasize a view of the vascular network not only as a confounding element in fMRI but also as a functionally relevant system that is entangled with the neuronal network. To study the vascular and neuronal underpinnings of BOLD functional connectivity, we consider a combination of methodological avenues based on multiscale and multimodal optical imaging in mice, used in combination with computational models that allow the integration of vascular information to explain functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Guilbert
- Université Laval, Department of Physics, Physical Engineering, and Optics, Québec, Canada
- Université Laval, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Antoine Légaré
- Université Laval, Department of Physics, Physical Engineering, and Optics, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche CERVO, Québec, Canada
- Université Laval, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Bioinformatics, Québec, Canada
| | - Paul De Koninck
- Centre de recherche CERVO, Québec, Canada
- Université Laval, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Bioinformatics, Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick Desrosiers
- Université Laval, Department of Physics, Physical Engineering, and Optics, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche CERVO, Québec, Canada
| | - Michèle Desjardins
- Université Laval, Department of Physics, Physical Engineering, and Optics, Québec, Canada
- Université Laval, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, Canada
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30
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Acharya D, Ruesch A, Schmitt S, Yang J, Smith MA, Kainerstorfer JM. Changes in neurovascular coupling with cerebral perfusion pressure indicate a link to cerebral autoregulation. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:1247-1258. [PMID: 35078343 PMCID: PMC9207489 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221076566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral autoregulation ensures a stable average blood supply to brain tissue across steady state cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) levels. Neurovascular coupling, in turn, relies on sufficient blood flow to meet neuronal demands during activation. These mechanisms break down in pathologies where extreme levels of CPP can cause dysregulation in cerebral blood flow. Here, we experimentally tested the influence of changes in CPP on neurovascular coupling in a hydrocephalus-type non-human primate model (n = 3). We recorded local neural and vascular evoked responses to a checkerboard visual stimulus, non-invasively, using electroencephalography and near-infrared spectroscopy respectively. The evoked signals showed changes in various waveform features in the visual evoked potentials and the hemodynamic responses, with CPP. We further used these signals to fit for a hemodynamic response function (HRF) to describe neurovascular coupling. We estimated n = 26 distinct HRFs at a subset of CPP values ranging from 40-120 mmHg across all subjects. The HRFs, when compared to a subject dependent healthy baseline (CPP 70-90 mmHg) HRF, showed significant changes in shape with increasing CPP (ρCPP = -0.55, p-valueCPP = 0.0049). Our study provides preliminary experimental evidence on the relationship between neurovascular coupling and CPP changes, especially when beyond the limits of static autoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepshikha Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Ruesch
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Samantha Schmitt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jason Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Matthew A Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jana M Kainerstorfer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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31
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Lansdell TA, Chambers LC, Dorrance AM. Endothelial Cells and the Cerebral Circulation. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3449-3508. [PMID: 35766836 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells form the innermost layer of all blood vessels and are the only vascular component that remains throughout all vascular segments. The cerebral vasculature has several unique properties not found in the peripheral circulation; this requires that the cerebral endothelium be considered as a unique entity. Cerebral endothelial cells perform several functions vital for brain health. The cerebral vasculature is responsible for protecting the brain from external threats carried in the blood. The endothelial cells are central to this requirement as they form the basis of the blood-brain barrier. The endothelium also regulates fibrinolysis, thrombosis, platelet activation, vascular permeability, metabolism, catabolism, inflammation, and white cell trafficking. Endothelial cells regulate the changes in vascular structure caused by angiogenesis and artery remodeling. Further, the endothelium contributes to vascular tone, allowing proper perfusion of the brain which has high energy demands and no energy stores. In this article, we discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the cerebral endothelium. Where appropriate, we discuss the detrimental effects of high blood pressure on the cerebral endothelium and the contribution of cerebrovascular disease endothelial dysfunction and dementia. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3449-3508, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Lansdell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Laura C Chambers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Anne M Dorrance
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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32
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Li J, Wang M, Xu S, Li Y, Li J, Yu J, Zhu H. The Strategies and Mechanisms of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Brain Metastases in NSCLC. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:841623. [PMID: 35656295 PMCID: PMC9152109 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.841623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases are more and more common among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). TKI therapy could provide ideal outcomes for patients harboring epidermal growth factor receptor or ALK mutations. For wild-type patients, however, survival is poor because there are few effective treatments other than radiotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the management of advanced NSCLC. However, the exclusion of patients with active brain metastasis (BM) from most ICI trials precludes the generalization of results. Accordingly, a variety of appropriate real-world studies and clinical trials are being developed to evaluate tumor response. Increasingly encouraging results have suggested that ICIs could be active in the central nervous system (CNS) in select patients with high PD-L1 expression and low CNS disease burden. With the extensive use of ICIs in NSCLC patients with BM, many important questions have emerged concerning issues such as the clinical response to a single ICI, use of ICIs combined with chemotherapy or radiation, the biological mechanism and appropriate sequencing of local and systemic therapy combinations, and safety and toxicity. The present review summarizes the advances in systemic ICIs for the treatment of NSCLC patients with BM, discusses factors associated with efficacy and toxicity, and explores future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Li
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Shuhui Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yuying Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Jiatong Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Reeson P, Schager B, Van Sprengel M, Brown CE. Behavioral and Neural Activity-Dependent Recanalization of Plugged Capillaries in the Brain of Adult and Aged Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:876746. [PMID: 35722620 PMCID: PMC9204343 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.876746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The capillaries of the brain, owing to their small diameter and low perfusion pressure, are vulnerable to interruptions in blood flow. These tiny occlusions can have outsized consequences on angioarchitecture and brain function; especially when exacerbated by disease states or accumulate with aging. A distinctive feature of the brain’s microvasculature is the ability for active neurons to recruit local blood flow. The coupling of neural activity to blood flow could play an important role in recanalizing obstructed capillaries. To investigate this idea, we experimentally induced capillary obstructions in mice by injecting fluorescent microspheres and then manipulated neural activity levels though behavioral or pharmacologic approaches. We show that engaging adult and aged mice with 12 h exposure to an enriched environment (group housing, novel objects, exercise wheels) was sufficient to significantly reduce the density of obstructed capillaries throughout the forebrain. In order to more directly manipulate neural activity, we pharmacologically suppressed or increased neuronal activity in the somatosensory cortex. When we suppressed cortical activity, recanalization was impaired given the density of obstructed capillaries was significantly increased. Conversely, increasing cortical activity improved capillary recanalization. Since systemic cardiovascular factors (changes in heart rate, blood pressure) could explain these effects on recanalization, we demonstrate that unilateral manipulations of neural activity through whisker trimming or injection of muscimol, still had significant and hemisphere specific effects on recanalization, even in mice exposed to enrichment where cardiovascular effects would be evident in both hemispheres. In summary, our studies reveal that neural activity bi-directionally regulates the recanalization of obstructed capillaries. Further, we show that stimulating brain activity through behavioral engagement (i.e., environmental enrichment) can promote vascular health throughout the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Reeson
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Ben Schager
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Craig E. Brown
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Craig E. Brown,
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Association of cerebral microvascular dysfunction and white matter injury in Alzheimer's disease. GeroScience 2022; 44:1-14. [PMID: 35612774 PMCID: PMC9617002 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00585-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) often have cerebral white matter (WM) hyperintensities on MRI and microinfarcts of presumed microvascular origin pathologically. Here, we determined if vasodilator dysfunction of WM-penetrating arterioles is associated with pathologically defined WM injury and disturbances in quantitative MRI-defined WM integrity in patients with mixed microvascular and AD pathology. We analyzed tissues from 28 serially collected human brains from research donors diagnosed with varying degrees of AD neuropathologic change (ADNC) with or without cerebral microinfarcts (mVBI). WM-penetrating and pial surface arteriolar responses to the endothelium-dependent agonist bradykinin were quantified ex vivo with videomicroscopy. Vascular endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and NAD(P)H-oxidase (Nox1, 2 and 4 isoforms) expression were measured with quantitative PCR. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-labeled astrocytes were quantified by unbiased stereological approaches in regions adjacent to the sites of WM-penetrating vessel collection. Post-mortem diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to measure mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA), quantitative indices of WM integrity. In contrast to pial surface arterioles, white matter-penetrating arterioles from donors diagnosed with high ADNC and mVBI exhibited a significantly reduced dilation in response to bradykinin when compared to the other groups. Expression of eNOS was reduced, whereas Nox1 expression was increased in WM arterioles in AD and mVBI cases. WM astrocyte density was increased in AD and mVBI, which correlated with a reduced vasodilation in WM arterioles. Moreover, in cases with low ADNC, bradykinin-induced WM arteriole dilation correlated with lower ADC and higher FA values. Comorbid ADNC and mVBI appear to synergistically interact to selectively impair bradykinin-induced vasodilation in WM-penetrating arterioles, which may be related to reduced nitric oxide- and excess reactive oxygen species-mediated vascular endothelial dysfunction. WM arteriole vasodilator dysfunction is associated with WM injury, as supported by reactive astrogliosis and MRI-defined disrupted WM microstructural integrity.
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Jackson JG, Krizman E, Takano H, Lee M, Choi GH, Putt ME, Robinson MB. Activation of Glutamate Transport Increases Arteriole Diameter in v ivo: Implications for Neurovascular Coupling. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:831061. [PMID: 35308116 PMCID: PMC8930833 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.831061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to meet the energetic demands of cell-to-cell signaling, increases in local neuronal signaling are matched by a coordinated increase in local blood flow, termed neurovascular coupling. Multiple different signals from neurons, astrocytes, and pericytes contribute to this control of blood flow. Previously, several groups demonstrated that inhibition/ablation of glutamate transporters attenuates the neurovascular response. However, it was not determined if glutamate transporter activation was sufficient to increase blood flow. Here, we used multiphoton imaging to monitor the diameter of fluorescently labeled cortical arterioles in anesthetized C57/B6J mice. We delivered vehicle, glutamate transporter substrates, or a combination of a glutamate transporter substrate with various pharmacologic agents via a glass micropipette while simultaneously visualizing changes in arteriole diameter. We developed a novel image analysis method to automate the measurement of arteriole diameter in these time-lapse analyses. Using this workflow, we first conducted pilot experiments in which we focally applied L-glutamate, D-aspartate, or L-threo-hydroxyaspartate (L-THA) and measured arteriole responses as proof of concept. We subsequently applied the selective glutamate transport substrate L-THA (applied at concentrations that do not activate glutamate receptors). We found that L-THA evoked a significantly larger dilation than that observed with focal saline application. This response was blocked by co-application of the potent glutamate transport inhibitor, L-(2S,3S)-3-[3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)-benzoylamino]benzyloxy]-aspartate (TFB-TBOA). Conversely, we were unable to demonstrate a reduction of this effect through co-application of a cocktail of glutamate and GABA receptor antagonists. These studies provide the first direct evidence that activation of glutamate transport is sufficient to increase arteriole diameter. We explored potential downstream mechanisms mediating this transporter-mediated dilation by using a Ca2+ chelator or inhibitors of reversed-mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange, nitric oxide synthetase, or cyclo-oxygenase. The estimated effects and confidence intervals suggested some form of inhibition for a number of these inhibitors. Limitations to our study design prevented definitive conclusions with respect to these downstream inhibitors; these limitations are discussed along with possible next steps. Understanding the mechanisms that control blood flow are important because changes in blood flow/energy supply are implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders and are used as a surrogate measure of neuronal activity in widely used techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua G. Jackson
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Krizman
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hajime Takano
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Meredith Lee
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Grace H. Choi
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mary E. Putt
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael B. Robinson
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Trigiani LJ, Bourourou M, Lacalle-Aurioles M, Lecrux C, Hynes A, Spring S, Fernandes DJ, Sled JG, Lesage F, Schwaninger M, Hamel E. A functional cerebral endothelium is necessary to protect against cognitive decline. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:74-89. [PMID: 34515549 PMCID: PMC8721775 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x211045438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A vascular insult occurring early in disease onset may initiate cognitive decline leading to dementia, while pharmacological and lifestyle interventions can prevent this progression. Mice with a selective, tamoxifen-inducible deletion of NF-κB essential modulator (Nemo) in brain endothelial cells were studied as a model of vascular cognitive impairment. Groups included NemoFl controls and three NemobeKO groups: One untreated, and two treated with simvastatin or exercise. Social preference and nesting were impaired in NemobeKO mice and were not countered by treatments. Cerebrovascular function was compromised in NemobeKO groups regardless of treatment, with decreased changes in sensory-evoked cerebral blood flow and total hemoglobin levels, and impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation. NemobeKO mice had increased string vessel pathology, blood-brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, and reduced cortical somatostatin-containing interneurons. These alterations were reversed when endothelial function was recovered. Findings strongly suggest that damage to the cerebral endothelium can trigger pathologies associated with dementia and its functional integrity should be an effective target in future therapeutic efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne J Trigiani
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Miled Bourourou
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - María Lacalle-Aurioles
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Clotilde Lecrux
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Amy Hynes
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Shoshana Spring
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Darren J Fernandes
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Frédéric Lesage
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Edith Hamel
- Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Research, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
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Elorza Ridaura I, Sorrentino S, Moroni L. Parallels between the Developing Vascular and Neural Systems: Signaling Pathways and Future Perspectives for Regenerative Medicine. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101837. [PMID: 34693660 PMCID: PMC8655224 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Neurovascular disorders, which involve the vascular and nervous systems, are common. Research on such disorders usually focuses on either vascular or nervous components, without looking at how they interact. Adopting a neurovascular perspective is essential to improve current treatments. Therefore, comparing molecular processes known to be involved in both systems separately can provide insight into promising areas of future research. Since development and regeneration share many mechanisms, comparing signaling molecules involved in both the developing vascular and nervous systems and shedding light to those that they have in common can reveal processes, which have not yet been studied from a regenerative perspective, yet hold great potential. Hence, this review discusses and compares processes involved in the development of the vascular and nervous systems, in order to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms, which are most promising with regards to treatment for neurovascular disorders. Vascular endothelial growth factor, semaphorins, and ephrins are found to hold the most potential, while fibroblast growth factor, bone morphogenic protein, slits, and sonic hedgehog are shown to participate in both the developing vascular and nervous systems, yet have not been studied at the neurovascular level, therefore being of special interest for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Elorza Ridaura
- Complex Tissue Regeneration DepartmentMERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineMaastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229ERThe Netherlands
| | - Stefano Sorrentino
- CNR Nanotec – Institute of NanotechnologyCampus Ecotekne, via MonteroniLecce73100Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Complex Tissue Regeneration DepartmentMERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineMaastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229ERThe Netherlands
- CNR Nanotec – Institute of NanotechnologyCampus Ecotekne, via MonteroniLecce73100Italy
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38
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Shen Y, Yao MJ, Su YX, Xu DS, Wang J, Wang GR, Cui JJ, Zhang JL, Bai WZ. Histochemistry of microinfarcts in the mouse brain after injection of fluorescent microspheres into the common carotid artery. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:832-837. [PMID: 34472483 PMCID: PMC8530124 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.322470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse model of multiple cerebral infarctions, established by injecting fluorescent microspheres into the common carotid artery, is a recent development in animal models of cerebral ischemia. To investigate its effectiveness, mouse models of cerebral infarction were created by injecting fluorescent microspheres, 45–53 µm in diameter, into the common carotid artery. Six hours after modeling, fluorescent microspheres were observed directly through a fluorescence stereomicroscope, both on the brain surface and in brain sections. Changes in blood vessels, neurons and glial cells associated with microinfarcts were examined using fluorescence histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The microspheres were distributed mainly in the cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus ipsilateral to the side of injection. Microinfarcts were found in the brain regions where the fluorescent microspheres were present. Here the lodged microspheres induced vascular and neuronal injury and the activation of astroglia and microglia. These histopathological changes indicate that this animal model of multiple cerebral infarctions effectively simulates the changes of various cell types observed in multifocal microinfarcts. This model is an effective, additional tool to study the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and could be used to evaluate therapeutic interventions. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (approval No. D2021-03-16-1) on March 16, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shen
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Jiang Yao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Beijing Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xin Su
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Xu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Rui Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Beijing Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Jing Cui
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Liang Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wan-Zhu Bai
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Buot A, Azzalini D, Chaumon M, Tallon-Baudry C. Does stroke volume influence heartbeat evoked responses? Biol Psychol 2021; 165:108165. [PMID: 34416348 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2021.108165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We know surprisingly little on how heartbeat-evoked responses (HERs) vary with cardiac parameters. Here, we measured both stroke volume, or volume of blood ejected at each heartbeat, with impedance cardiography, and HER amplitude with magneto-encephalography, in 21 male and female participants at rest with eyes open. We observed that HER co-fluctuates with stroke volume on a beat-to-beat basis, but only when no correction for cardiac artifact was performed. This highlights the importance of an ICA correction tailored to the cardiac artifact. We also observed that easy-to-measure cardiac parameters (interbeat intervals, ECG amplitude) are sensitive to stroke volume fluctuations and can be used as proxies when stroke volume measurements are not available. Finally, interindividual differences in stroke volume were reflected in MEG data, but whether this effect is locked to heartbeats is unclear. Altogether, our results question assumptions on the link between stroke volume and HERs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Buot
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Département d'études Cognitives, École normale supérieure, INSERM, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Damiano Azzalini
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Département d'études Cognitives, École normale supérieure, INSERM, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Maximilien Chaumon
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Centre MEG-EEG, Centre de NeuroImagerie Recherche (CENIR), Paris, France
| | - Catherine Tallon-Baudry
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Département d'études Cognitives, École normale supérieure, INSERM, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
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40
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Haidey JN, Peringod G, Institoris A, Gorzo KA, Nicola W, Vandal M, Ito K, Liu S, Fielding C, Visser F, Nguyen MD, Gordon GR. Astrocytes regulate ultra-slow arteriole oscillations via stretch-mediated TRPV4-COX-1 feedback. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109405. [PMID: 34348138 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Very-low-frequency oscillations in microvascular diameter cause fluctuations in oxygen delivery that are important for fueling the brain and for functional imaging. However, little is known about how the brain regulates ongoing oscillations in cerebral blood flow. In mouse and rat cortical brain slice arterioles, we find that selectively enhancing tone is sufficient to recruit a TRPV4-mediated Ca2+ elevation in adjacent astrocyte endfeet. This endfoot Ca2+ signal triggers COX-1-mediated "feedback vasodilators" that limit the extent of evoked vasoconstriction, as well as constrain fictive vasomotion in slices. Astrocyte-Ptgs1 knockdown in vivo increases the power of arteriole oscillations across a broad range of very low frequencies (0.01-0.3 Hz), including ultra-slow vasomotion (∼0.1 Hz). Conversely, clamping astrocyte Ca2+in vivo reduces the power of vasomotion. These data demonstrate bidirectional communication between arterioles and astrocyte endfeet to regulate oscillatory microvasculature activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan N Haidey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Govind Peringod
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Adam Institoris
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Kelsea A Gorzo
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Wilten Nicola
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Milène Vandal
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Kenichi Ito
- Centre for Genome Engineering, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Shiying Liu
- Centre for Genome Engineering, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Cameron Fielding
- Centre for Genome Engineering, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Frank Visser
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Minh Dang Nguyen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Grant R Gordon
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Beason-Held LL, Fournier D, Shafer AT, Fabbri E, An Y, Huang CW, Bilgel M, Wong DF, Ferrucci L, Resnick SM. Disease Burden Affects Aging Brain Function. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 77:1810-1818. [PMID: 34329447 PMCID: PMC9757056 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most older adults live with multiple chronic disease conditions, yet the effect of multiple diseases on brain function remains unclear. METHODS We examine the relationship between disease multimorbidity and brain activity using regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) 15O-water PET scans from 97 cognitively normal participants (mean baseline age 76.5) in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Multimorbidity index scores, generated from the presence of 13 health conditions, were correlated with PET data at baseline and in longitudinal change (n=74) over 5.05 (2.74 SD) years. RESULTS At baseline, voxel-based analysis showed that higher multimorbidity scores were associated with lower relative activity in orbitofrontal, superior frontal, temporal pole and parahippocampal regions, and greater activity in lateral temporal, occipital and cerebellar regions. Examination of the individual health conditions comprising the index score showed hypertension and chronic kidney disease individually contributed to the overall multimorbidity pattern of altered activity. Longitudinally, both increases and decreases in activity were seen in relation to increasing multimorbidity over time. These associations were identified in orbitofrontal, lateral temporal, brainstem, and cerebellar areas. CONCLUSION Together, these results show that greater multimorbidity is associated with widespread areas of altered brain activity, supporting a link between health and changes in aging brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea T Shafer
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH
| | - Elisa Fabbri
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH
| | - Yang An
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH
| | | | - Murat Bilgel
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH
| | - Dean F Wong
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH
| | - Susan M Resnick
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH
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42
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Wang H, Xu D, You H, Zuo Z, Feng F. Altered cerebral perfusion and microstructure in advanced Parkinson's disease and their associations with clinical features. Neurol Res 2021; 44:47-56. [PMID: 34313185 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2021.1954842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the whole cerebral perfusion and microstructure alteration patterns in Parkinson's disease (PD) and the associations of these patterns with clinical features. METHODS Forty-one subjects [20 PD patients and 21 healthy controls (HCs)] underwent arterial spin labeling (ASL), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and 3D T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) MRI. The cerebral blood flow (CBF) of the whole brain and the fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD) of subcortical and cerebellar regions were measured and compared between groups. Pearson's correlation was calculated between MRI measurements and clinical features [Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), UPDRS III, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and olfactory test scores]. RESULTS Compared to HCs, PD patients showed lower CBF in the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes but higher CBF in bilateral hippocampi, red nuclei, right substantia nigra, thalamus and most cerebellar regions. The MD in the right thalamus and several regions in the cerebellum increased in PD compared to HCs. In PD patients, the total UPDRS, UPDRS III, MoCA, MMSE and olfactory test scores were related to FA or CBF in cerebellum. (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Hypoperfusion in cortical regions, together with hyperperfusion in subcortical and cerebellar regions may be the characteristic perfusion pattern in advanced PD patients. The microstructures of the right thalamus and cerebellum were changed in PD patients. The cognitive, motor and olfactory performance of PD patients is closely related to the perfusion and microstructure of the brain, especially the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxi Liu
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui You
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhentao Zuo
- Brain Mapping Center, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Stackhouse TL, Mishra A. Neurovascular Coupling in Development and Disease: Focus on Astrocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:702832. [PMID: 34327206 PMCID: PMC8313501 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.702832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular coupling is a crucial mechanism that matches the high energy demand of the brain with a supply of energy substrates from the blood. Signaling within the neurovascular unit is responsible for activity-dependent changes in cerebral blood flow. The strength and reliability of neurovascular coupling form the basis of non-invasive human neuroimaging techniques, including blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging. Interestingly, BOLD signals are negative in infants, indicating a mismatch between metabolism and blood flow upon neural activation; this response is the opposite of that observed in healthy adults where activity evokes a large oversupply of blood flow. Negative neurovascular coupling has also been observed in rodents at early postnatal stages, further implying that this is a process that matures during development. This rationale is consistent with the morphological maturation of the neurovascular unit, which occurs over a similar time frame. While neurons differentiate before birth, astrocytes differentiate postnatally in rodents and the maturation of their complex morphology during the first few weeks of life links them with synapses and the vasculature. The vascular network is also incomplete in neonates and matures in parallel with astrocytes. Here, we review the timeline of the structural maturation of the neurovascular unit with special emphasis on astrocytes and the vascular tree and what it implies for functional maturation of neurovascular coupling. We also discuss similarities between immature astrocytes during development and reactive astrocytes in disease, which are relevant to neurovascular coupling. Finally, we close by pointing out current gaps in knowledge that must be addressed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying neurovascular coupling maturation, with the expectation that this may also clarify astrocyte-dependent mechanisms of cerebrovascular impairment in neurodegenerative conditions in which reduced or negative neurovascular coupling is noted, such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa L Stackhouse
- Department of Neurology, Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Anusha Mishra
- Department of Neurology, Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
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44
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Kumar BS, Khot A, Chakravarthy VS, Pushpavanam S. A Network Architecture for Bidirectional Neurovascular Coupling in Rat Whisker Barrel Cortex. Front Comput Neurosci 2021; 15:638700. [PMID: 34211384 PMCID: PMC8241226 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2021.638700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular coupling is typically considered as a master-slave relationship between the neurons and the cerebral vessels: the neurons demand energy which the vessels supply in the form of glucose and oxygen. In the recent past, both theoretical and experimental studies have suggested that the neurovascular coupling is a bidirectional system, a loop that includes a feedback signal from the vessels influencing neural firing and plasticity. An integrated model of bidirectionally connected neural network and the vascular network is hence required to understand the relationship between the informational and metabolic aspects of neural dynamics. In this study, we present a computational model of the bidirectional neurovascular system in the whisker barrel cortex and study the effect of such coupling on neural activity and plasticity as manifest in the whisker barrel map formation. In this model, a biologically plausible self-organizing network model of rate coded, dynamic neurons is nourished by a network of vessels modeled using the biophysical properties of blood vessels. The neural layer which is designed to simulate the whisker barrel cortex of rat transmits vasodilatory signals to the vessels. The feedback from the vessels is in the form of available oxygen for oxidative metabolism whose end result is the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) necessary to fuel neural firing. The model captures the effect of the feedback from the vascular network on the neuronal map formation in the whisker barrel model under normal and pathological (Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Ischemia) conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhadra S. Kumar
- Computational Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Aditi Khot
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - V. Srinivasa Chakravarthy
- Computational Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - S. Pushpavanam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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Kim KJ, Diaz JR, Presa JL, Muller PR, Brands MW, Khan MB, Hess DC, Althammer F, Stern JE, Filosa JA. Decreased parenchymal arteriolar tone uncouples vessel-to-neuronal communication in a mouse model of vascular cognitive impairment. GeroScience 2021; 43:1405-1422. [PMID: 33410092 PMCID: PMC8190257 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00305-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hypoperfusion is a key contributor to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions, but the cellular mechanisms remain ill-defined. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we sought to elucidate chronic hypoperfusion-evoked functional changes at the neurovascular unit. We used bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS), a well-established model of vascular cognitive impairment, combined with an ex vivo preparation that allows pressurization of parenchymal arterioles in a brain slice. Our results demonstrate that mild (~ 30%), chronic hypoperfusion significantly altered the functional integrity of the cortical neurovascular unit. Although pial cerebral perfusion recovered over time, parenchymal arterioles progressively lost tone, exhibiting significant reductions by day 28 post-surgery. We provide supportive evidence for reduced adenosine 1 receptor-mediated vasoconstriction as a potential mechanism in the adaptive response underlying the reduced baseline tone in parenchymal arterioles. In addition, we show that in response to the neuromodulator adenosine, the action potential frequency of cortical pyramidal neurons was significantly reduced in all groups. However, a significant decrease in adenosine-induced hyperpolarization was observed in BCAS 14 days. At the microvascular level, constriction-induced inhibition of pyramidal neurons was significantly compromised in BCAS mice. Collectively, these results suggest that BCAS uncouples vessel-to-neuron communication-vasculo-neuronal coupling-a potential early event in cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Jung Kim
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Juan Ramiro Diaz
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Jessica L Presa
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - P Robinson Muller
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Michael W Brands
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Mohammad B Khan
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - David C Hess
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Javier E Stern
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica A Filosa
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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Wenceslau CF, McCarthy CG, Earley S, England SK, Filosa JA, Goulopoulou S, Gutterman DD, Isakson BE, Kanagy NL, Martinez-Lemus LA, Sonkusare SK, Thakore P, Trask AJ, Watts SW, Webb RC. Guidelines for the measurement of vascular function and structure in isolated arteries and veins. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 321:H77-H111. [PMID: 33989082 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01021.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The measurement of vascular function in isolated vessels has revealed important insights into the structural, functional, and biomechanical features of the normal and diseased cardiovascular system and has provided a molecular understanding of the cells that constitutes arteries and veins and their interaction. Further, this approach has allowed the discovery of vital pharmacological treatments for cardiovascular diseases. However, the expansion of the vascular physiology field has also brought new concerns over scientific rigor and reproducibility. Therefore, it is appropriate to set guidelines for the best practices of evaluating vascular function in isolated vessels. These guidelines are a comprehensive document detailing the best practices and pitfalls for the assessment of function in large and small arteries and veins. Herein, we bring together experts in the field of vascular physiology with the purpose of developing guidelines for evaluating ex vivo vascular function. By using this document, vascular physiologists will have consistency among methodological approaches, producing more reliable and reproducible results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla F Wenceslau
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Cameron G McCarthy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Scott Earley
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Molecular and Cellular Signaling in the Cardiovascular System, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
| | - Sarah K England
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jessica A Filosa
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Styliani Goulopoulou
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - David D Gutterman
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Brant E Isakson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Nancy L Kanagy
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Luis A Martinez-Lemus
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Swapnil K Sonkusare
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Pratish Thakore
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Molecular and Cellular Signaling in the Cardiovascular System, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
| | - Aaron J Trask
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, The Heart Center, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Stephanie W Watts
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - R Clinton Webb
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
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Neurovascular-modulation: A review of primary vascular responses to transcranial electrical stimulation as a mechanism of action. Brain Stimul 2021; 14:837-847. [PMID: 33962079 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ubiquitous vascular response to transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) has been attributed to the secondary effect of neuronal activity forming the classic neurovascular coupling. However, the current density delivered transcranially concentrates in: A) the cerebrospinal fluid of subarachnoid space where cerebral vasculature resides after reaching the dural and pial surfaces and B) across the blood-brain-barrier after reaching the brain parenchyma. Therefore, it is anticipated that tES has a primary vascular influence. OBJECTIVES Focused review of studies that demonstrated the direct vascular response to electrical stimulation and studies demonstrating evidence for tES-induced vascular effect in coupled neurovascular systems. RESULTS tES induces both primary and secondary vascular phenomena originating from four cellular elements; the first two mediating a primary vascular phenomenon mainly in the form of an immediate vasodilatory response and the latter two leading to secondary vascular effects and as parts of classic neurovascular coupling: 1) The perivascular nerves of more superficially located dural and pial arteries and medium-sized arterioles with multilayered smooth muscle cells; and 2) The endothelial lining of all vessels including microvasculature of blood-brain barrier; 3) Astrocytes; and 4) Neurons of neurovascular units. CONCLUSION A primary vascular effect of tES is highly suggested based on various preclinical and clinical studies. We explain how the nature of vascular response can depend on vessel anatomy (size) and physiology and be controlled by stimulation waveform. Further studies are warranted to investigate the mechanisms underlying the vascular response and its contribution to neural activity in both healthy brain and pathological conditions - recognizing many brain diseases are associated with alteration of cerebral hemodynamics and decoupling of neurovascular units.
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Lionetti V, Bollini S, Coppini R, Gerbino A, Ghigo A, Iaccarino G, Madonna R, Mangiacapra F, Miragoli M, Moccia F, Munaron L, Pagliaro P, Parenti A, Pasqua T, Penna C, Quaini F, Rocca C, Samaja M, Sartiani L, Soda T, Tocchetti CG, Angelone T. Understanding the heart-brain axis response in COVID-19 patients: A suggestive perspective for therapeutic development. Pharmacol Res 2021; 168:105581. [PMID: 33781873 PMCID: PMC7997688 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In-depth characterization of heart-brain communication in critically ill patients with severe acute respiratory failure is attracting significant interest in the COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic era during intensive care unit (ICU) stay and after ICU or hospital discharge. Emerging research has provided new insights into pathogenic role of the deregulation of the heart-brain axis (HBA), a bidirectional flow of information, in leading to severe multiorgan disease syndrome (MODS) in patients with confirmed infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Noteworthy, HBA dysfunction may worsen the outcome of the COVID-19 patients. In this review, we discuss the critical role HBA plays in both promoting and limiting MODS in COVID-19. We also highlight the role of HBA as new target for novel therapeutic strategies in COVID-19 in order to open new translational frontiers of care. This is a translational perspective from the Italian Society of Cardiovascular Researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Lionetti
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; UOSVD Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Sveva Bollini
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Raffaele Coppini
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Center of Molecular Medicine, University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Andrea Gerbino
- Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ghigo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Guido Iaccarino
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Madonna
- Institute of Cardiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Center for Cardiovascular Biology and Atherosclerosis Research, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fabio Mangiacapra
- Unit of Cardiovascular Science, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Miragoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of General Physiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Luca Munaron
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pagliaro
- Clinical and Biological Sciences Department, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Astrid Parenti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Teresa Pasqua
- Department of Health Science, University of Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Penna
- Clinical and Biological Sciences Department, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Quaini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Carmine Rocca
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Patho-Physiology, Department of Biology, E. and E.S., University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Michele Samaja
- Department of Health Science, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Sartiani
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Center of Molecular Medicine, University of Firenze, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Gabriele Tocchetti
- Interdepartmental Center of Clinical and Translational Research, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Patho-Physiology, Department of Biology, E. and E.S., University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
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49
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Boric MP, Durán WN, Figueroa XF. Editorial: Cell Communication in Vascular Biology. Front Physiol 2021; 12:656959. [PMID: 33746785 PMCID: PMC7965979 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.656959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio P Boric
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Walter N Durán
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Xavier F Figueroa
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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50
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Altamura C, Vernieri F. Commentary: Enhanced Hemodynamic and Clinical Response to αCGRP in Migraine Patients-A TCD Study. Front Neurol 2021; 12:663818. [PMID: 33815263 PMCID: PMC8012904 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.663818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Altamura
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Neurology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
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