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Characterising cerebrovascular reactivity and the pupillary light response-a comparative study
Sierra Sparks1, Genevieve Hayes1, Joana Pinto1
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Physiology
|August 23, 2024
Summary
This study found a link between pupil response latency in the dark and cerebrovascular reactivity in healthy adults. Further research is needed to explore this connection using advanced techniques.
Area of Science:
- Autonomic nervous system function
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Smooth muscle regulates vital autonomic functions, including cerebrovascular dynamics and pupil size.
- Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) measures blood vessel changes in response to stimuli.
- Pupillary light response (PLR) assesses pupil reactions to light variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cerebral blood flow (CVR) and pupil dynamics (PLR).
- To explore how autonomic functions in the brain and eyes are interconnected.
Main Methods:
- 20 healthy adults underwent CVR gas stimulus and PLR light/dark flash protocols.
- CVR was measured via middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity using transcranial Doppler ultrasound during hypercapnia.
- Multiple PLR metrics were assessed using a clinical pupillometer.
Main Results:
- All CVR and PLR metrics were within normal physiological ranges.
- A significant negative correlation was found between dark flash PLR latency and CVR.
- No significant relationships were observed between CVR and other PLR metrics.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to demonstrate a relationship between cerebral blood flow and pupil dynamics.
- Dark flash pupillary response latency is significantly associated with cerebrovascular reactivity.
- Future research should utilize advanced measurement techniques in diverse cohorts to further elucidate these connections.
