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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Brain Pericyte Calcium and Hemodynamic Imaging in Transgenic Mice In Vivo
Published on: November 20, 2021
New Data from Pdfgb ret/ret Mutant Mice Might Lead to a Paradoxical Association Between Brain Calcification,
Denis A P Moura1, Roberta R Lemos1, João R M Oliveira2,3
1Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
Abstract:
Data of mice with PDGF-B-truncating mutation (Pdgfb ret/ret) from different research groups indicate that the malfunction of this protein leads to reduced pericyte recruitment, loss of Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) integrity and bilateral brain calcification. This makes these mice important models for Primary Brain Calcification and pericyte-BBB correlation studies. The global brain pericyte count is reduced in Pdgfb ret/ret mice, with higher BBB permeability. We have overlapped the data from other research groups into a figure to further analyze the findings. Calcifications form within midbrain, interbrain, basal forebrain, and pons. Interestingly, these calcification-prone regions have a comparably higher pericyte count and lower BBB leakage in relation to other non-calcifying regions of the Pdgfb ret/ret mouse (such as the cortex and striatum). A comparatively higher BBB integrity in regions prone to calcification seems paradoxical and indicates that other region-specific changes are the cause of the calcifications.
Insights
Mice with PDGF-B mutations show reduced pericyte numbers and Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) issues, leading to brain calcification. Paradoxically, calcified areas had better BBB integrity, suggesting other factors cause calcification.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) is crucial for pericyte recruitment and Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) integrity.
- Mutations in PDGF-B, such as in Pdgfb ret/ret mice, lead to pericyte deficiency and BBB dysfunction.
- These mice serve as a model for studying Primary Brain Calcification and the role of pericytes in BBB maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between PDGF-B deficiency, pericyte count, BBB integrity, and brain calcification.
- To analyze the distribution and characteristics of calcifications in Pdgfb ret/ret mice.
- To explore the paradoxical findings of higher BBB integrity in calcification-prone regions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from Pdgfb ret/ret mice across different research groups.
- Comparative analysis of pericyte counts and BBB permeability in calcifying versus non-calcifying brain regions.
- Data integration and visualization to identify patterns and correlations.
Main Results:
- Pdgfb ret/ret mice exhibit reduced global pericyte count and increased BBB permeability.
- Calcifications are predominantly found in the midbrain, interbrain, basal forebrain, and pons.
- Calcification-prone regions surprisingly show higher pericyte counts and lower BBB leakage compared to non-calcifying regions like the cortex and striatum.
Conclusions:
- PDGF-B deficiency leads to brain calcification, likely through mechanisms beyond simple BBB breakdown.
- The higher BBB integrity in calcification-prone areas suggests region-specific factors contribute to calcification.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying PDGF-B-related brain calcification.
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