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Longitudinal In Vivo Imaging of the Cerebrovasculature: Relevance to CNS Diseases
Published on: December 6, 2016
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Aging drives cerebrovascular network remodeling and functional changes in the mouse brain
Hannah C Bennett1, Qingguang Zhang2,3, Yuan-Ting Wu1,4
1Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
Nature Communications
|July 30, 2024
Summary
Normal aging impairs brain blood vessels and pericytes, particularly in deep brain regions. This study reveals age-related cerebrovascular changes that may contribute to cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Aging commonly leads to cerebrovascular and pericyte dysfunction.
- Understanding how normal aging affects different brain regions' vasculature is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related structural and functional changes in murine cerebrovascular networks.
- To identify specific brain regions vulnerable to aging-induced vascular decline.
Main Methods:
- Mesoscale microscopy and in vivo imaging techniques were employed.
- Whole-brain vascular tracing, light sheet imaging, and 3D immunolabeling were utilized.
- In vivo imaging assessed blood oxygenation and neurovascular coupling.
Main Results:
- Aged brains showed decreased vascular length and branching density, with increased radii.
- Significant reductions in vasculature and pericyte density were observed in deep cortical layers, hippocampus, and basal forebrain.
- Increased blood extravasation indicated compromised blood-brain barrier function, and reduced blood oxygenation was noted.
Conclusions:
- Normal aging causes regional cerebrovascular vulnerabilities and physiological impairments.
- These age-related changes in brain vasculature may underlie cognitive decline.
- The study highlights specific deep brain areas susceptible to vascular aging.
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