Intercellular Conduction Optimizes Arterial Network Function and Conserves Blood Flow Homeostasis During...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Vascular Biology
• Physiology

Background:

• Cerebral arterial networks regulate blood flow based on neural activity.
• The mechanisms of integrated vascular behavior and intercellular signaling were not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the mechanisms underlying integrated cerebrovascular behavior.
• To investigate the role of intercellular electrical signaling in this phenomenon.

Main Methods:

• Electron microscopy and histochemical analysis to identify structural coupling and gap junction subunits.
• Focal stimulation of cerebral arteries in humans and mice.
• In vivo whisker stimulation in mice.
• Simulated model of cerebral arterial network.

Main Results:

• Cerebrovascular cells are structurally coupled via gap junctions, enabling intercellular signaling.
• Endothelial gap junctional communication drives robust vasomotor conduction in cerebral arteries.
• Conducted responses ascend from arterioles to cortical surface vessels.
• Impaired gap junctional signaling attenuated conducted responses and impaired blood flow homeostasis after stroke.

Conclusions:

• Intercellular electrical signaling is integral to coordinating cerebrovascular contractile activity.
• Gap junctional communication represents a novel mechanism for regulating cerebral blood flow, particularly after stroke.