Endothelial PDGF-D contributes to neurovascular protection after ischemic stroke by rescuing pericyte functions

Ischemic stroke induces neovascularization of the injured tissue as an attempt to promote structural repair and neurological recovery. Angiogenesis is regulated by pericytes that potently react to ischemic stroke stressors, ranging from death to dysfunction. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor (PDGFR)β controls pericyte survival, migration, and interaction with brain endothelial cells. PDGF-D a specific ligand of PDGFRβ is expressed in the brain, yet its regulation and role in ischemic stroke pathobiology remains unexplored. Using experimental ischemic stroke mouse model, we found that PDGF-D is transiently induced in brain endothelial cells at the injury site in the subacute phase. To investigate the biological significance of PDGF-D post-ischemic stroke regulation, its subacute expression was either downregulated using siRNA or upregulated using an active recombinant form. Attenuation of PDGF-D subacute induction exacerbates neuronal loss, impairs microvascular density, alters vascular permeability, and increases microvascular stalling. Increasing PDGF-D subacute bioavailability rescues neuronal survival and improves neurological recovery. PDGF-D subacute enhanced bioavailability promotes stable neovascularization of the injured tissue and improves brain perfusion. Notably, PDGF-D enhanced bioavailability improves pericyte association with brain endothelial cells. Cell-based assays using human brain pericyte and brain endothelial cells exposed to ischemia-like conditions were applied to investigate the underlying mechanisms. PDGF-D stimulation attenuates pericyte loss and fibrotic transition, while increasing the secretion of pro-angiogenic and vascular protective factors. Moreover, PDGF-D stimulates pericyte migration required for optimal endothelial coverage and promotes angiogenesis. Our study unravels new insights into PDGF-D contribution to neurovascular protection after ischemic stroke by rescuing the functions of pericytes.