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Long-range inhibitory neurons mediate cortical neurovascular coupling
Catherine F Ruff1, Fernanda Juarez Anaya1, Samuel J Dienel2
1Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Cell Reports
|March 21, 2024
Summary
Researchers identified specific cortical neurons (Tacr1) that co-express nitric oxide synthase. These neurons integrate brain activity to regulate cerebral blood flow (CBF) via neurovascular coupling (NVC).
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.
Keywords:
CP: Cell biologyCP: Neurosciencecerebral blood flowhemodynamicspericytessomatostatintachykininMore Related Videos
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