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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurovascular Coupling
  • Brain Function

Background:

  • Cerebral blood flow (CBF) must meet the brain's high energy demands.
  • Neurovascular coupling (NVC) links neuronal activity to CBF, but the involved neurons are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Identify specific neurons mediating NVC.
  • Elucidate the role of these neurons in regulating CBF.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-tissue clearing and electron microscopy in mice.
  • Optogenetic manipulation of neuronal activity.
  • Whisker stimulation and electrophysiology.

Main Results:

  • Identified cortical GABAergic neurons co-expressing neuronal nitric oxide synthase and tachykinin receptor 1 (Tacr1).
  • Tacr1 neurons exhibit local and long-range projections.
  • Whisker stimulation activates Tacr1 neurons.
  • Tacr1 neuron activation mediates CBF via mural cell relaxation.
  • Tacr1 neuron processes contact astrocytic endfeet.

Conclusions:

  • Tacr1 neurons integrate cortical activity.
  • Tacr1 neurons are key mediators of NVC.
  • These findings reveal a novel cellular mechanism for regulating brain blood flow.