Modality-specific neurovascular coupling via layer-segregated arteriole networks

The brain's vascular system dynamically regulates energy supply through neurovascular coupling. In this study, we show that in mice, neurovascular coupling is modality-dependent: Distinct sensory inputs recruit specific arteriole types, producing differential laminar blood flow patterns. Using multiscale optical imaging, we compared neuronal and vascular responses to touch, nociception, motor-sensory feedback, and spontaneous activity. Shallow arteriole dilation emerges with increasing superficial-layer activity, whereas deep arterioles integrate signals broadly across input conditions. Arteriole type-specific dilation decouples the magnitude of local neuronal activity from capillary blood flow responses, with flow patterns shaped by vascular topology and recapitulated in silico. Together, these findings reveal how interactions between laminar circuit activity and vascular network architecture dynamically shape the spatial profile of blood flow delivery across the cortex.