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Evaluation of Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation in the Rat Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry
Published on: January 19, 2020
Cerebral autoregulation is preserved in multiple system atrophy: A transcranial Doppler study
Anne Pavy-Le Traon1, Richard L Hughson, Claire Thalamas
1Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous System and Neurosonology, Vascular Neurology Department, Hopital Rangueil, Toulouse, France. pavy.a@chu-toulouse.fr
Summary
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients exhibit significant blood pressure fluctuations. Despite this, dynamic cerebral autoregulation appears preserved, indicating the brain effectively manages blood flow changes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Autonomic Neuroscience
- Cerebrovascular Physiology
Background:
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is characterized by autonomic dysfunction leading to significant blood pressure variability.
- Understanding the impact of this blood pressure variability on cerebral blood flow regulation is crucial for managing MSA patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dynamic cerebral autoregulation (DCA) in patients with MSA.
- To compare DCA in MSA patients with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous recordings of arterial blood pressure (BP) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow velocity (BFV) were obtained.
- Cross-spectral analysis was used to assess the BP-BFV relationship in the mid-frequency band (0.07-0.2 Hz).
- Cerebrovascular resistance index (CR) was assessed during postural changes (standing up) to evaluate autoregulation rate.
Main Results:
- Cross-spectral analysis revealed a significantly larger phase in the mid-frequency band in MSA patients, suggesting more active autoregulation.
- No significant differences in changes in CR were observed between MSA patients and controls when standing, indicating preserved autoregulation rate.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is preserved in patients with multiple system atrophy, despite significant blood pressure fluctuations.
- The brain's ability to regulate blood flow appears intact in MSA, even with autonomic disturbances.
