A murine toolbox for imaging the neurovascular unit
David A Hartmann1, Robert G Underly, Ashley N Watson
1Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Microcirculation (New York, N.Y. : 1994)
|October 30, 2014
Summary
Investigating the brain's neurovascular unit (NVU) is crucial for understanding its functions. This review catalogs mouse models for NVU research, evaluating their utility and limitations for future in vivo imaging studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cerebrovascular Biology
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- The neurovascular unit (NVU) is essential for brain functions like blood flow control and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity.
- Understanding the cellular and molecular interactions within the NVU is an ongoing challenge.
- In vivo imaging and molecular tools offer new ways to study NVU cells in the intact brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To catalog available mouse lines for studying the NVU.
- To evaluate the utility and limitations of these mouse lines for future research.
- To guide cerebrovascular biologists in selecting appropriate models for imaging studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing mouse lines targeting NVU cells.
- Analysis of transgene expression specificity and patterns in the brain.
- Discussion of the suitability of mouse lines for high-resolution in vivo imaging.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive catalog of NVU mouse lines is presented.
- The specificity and expression patterns of transgenes in various NVU cell types are discussed.
- Limitations and advantages of each mouse line for imaging applications are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Careful evaluation of mouse line specificity is critical for reliable NVU research.
- These cataloged resources will aid in advancing in vivo imaging of the NVU.
- The review provides essential guidance for selecting mouse models to study brain vascular biology.
