Neurovascular Unit Cells is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
This page provides comprehensive information about the cell type. See the content below for detailed information.
The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a functional ensemble of cells that regulate cerebral blood flow and maintain the blood-brain barrier. It comprises endothelial cells, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, astrocytes, neurons, and microglia working in concert.
- Location: Luminal vessel surface
- Features: Tight junctions, fenestrations absent
- Transport: Selective, carrier-mediated
- Function: Barrier, transport, signaling
- Coverage: ~80% of capillary surface
- Features: Embedded in basement membrane
- Function: BBB development, flow regulation
- Markers: PDGFR-β, NG2, CD13
- Location: Arterioles and arteries
- Features: Contractile apparatus
- Function: Autoregulation of blood flow
- Markers: α-SMA, SM22, calponin
- Coverage: Surround vessels
- Features: Aquaporin-4 water channels
- Function: Metabolic coupling, K+ clearance
- Function: Vasodilation signaling
Mechanisms:
- Pericyte loss → increased permeability
- Endothelial dysfunction → reduced transport
- Tight junction opening → leak
- Matrix metalloproteinase activation → degradation
Consequences:
- Peripheral immune cell entry
- Reduced drug delivery
- Vascular dysfunction
- Worsening pathology
| Component |
Change |
| Endothelial |
LRP1↓, RAGE↑ |
| Pericyte |
Coverage loss |
| Smooth muscle |
CAA, amyloid |
| Astrocyte feet |
Dysfunction |
- BBB disruption - In SN more than cortex
- Pericyte loss - Correlation with progression
- Leakage - Serum protein extravasation
- Transport - Impaired drug delivery
¶ Stroke and Vascular Dementia
- Primary insult - Ischemia
- Secondary damage - BBB breakdown
- Angiogenesis - Aberrant vessels
- White matter - Vulnerable to perfusion
- Pericyte survival - PDGF-BB
- Tight junction stabilization - MMP inhibitors
- Endothelial protection - Antioxidants
- Astrocyte support - Aquaporin-4
- Focused ultrasound opening
- Trojan horse strategies
- Receptor-mediated transport
- Transient opening agents
The study of Neurovascular Unit Cells has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
- Zlokovic BV (2008). Neurovascular mechanisms of AD. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
- Iadecola C (2010). Neurovascular regulation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
- Sweeney MD, et al. (2019). NVU in health and disease. Nature Reviews Neurology.