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A High Output Method to Isolate Cerebral Pericytes from Mouse
Published on: January 14, 2020
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Microvascular pericytes in brain-associated vascular disease
Qi Liu1, Yingxi Yang1, Xiaonong Fan2
1First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 314 An Shan Xi Road, Nan Kai District, Tianjin 300193, China.
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & Pharmacotherapie
|November 20, 2019
Summary
Pericytes, crucial mural cells, regulate brain microvessel function and are implicated in neurological diseases. Understanding their role in the neurovascular unit offers potential therapeutic avenues for stroke and dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pericytes are microvessel mural cells vital for cerebrovascular development, homeostasis, and disease.
- They are key components of the neurovascular unit, interacting with other cells to regulate brain vascular function.
- Recent research highlights pericytes as a significant area of study due to their multifaceted roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the critical functions of pericytes in cerebral microvessels.
- To explore the relationship between pericyte dysfunction and cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, dementia, and brain tumors.
- To elucidate potential pathogenic mechanisms involving pericytes in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical and animal studies.
- Analysis of the role of pericytes in regulating cerebral blood flow and blood-brain barrier.
- Examination of pericyte involvement in neuroinflammation and vascular maintenance.
Main Results:
- Pericyte biological functions are intrinsically linked to cerebral blood flow, blood-brain barrier integrity, and neuroinflammation.
- Pericyte dysfunction is associated with the pathogenesis of stroke, dementia, and brain tumors.
- Cell-cell communication within the neurovascular unit is essential for pericyte function.
Conclusions:
- Pericytes play a central role in maintaining cerebrovascular health and function.
- Dysregulation of pericyte biology contributes to the development of major neurological and cerebrovascular diseases.
- Targeting pericyte-related mechanisms may offer novel therapeutic strategies for brain disorders.
