Molecular and Genetic Medicine

Guilfoyle DN

Publications

• Mini Review
  The Bimodal Nature of Neurovascular Coupling: Slow Tonic and Rapid Phasic Responses are Separately Controlled by Specific Astrocyte Metabotropic and Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors
  Author(s): Baslow MH and Guilfoyle DNBaslow MH and Guilfoyle DN
  
  Neurons, by virtue of their complex and continuously changing signaling roles in brain, must be able to regulate access to energy in order to maintain their ability to communicate meaningful frequency-encoded information. This is accomplished by release of neurotransmitters to astrocytes that in turn signal the vascular system to increase cerebral blood flow (CBF). This process has been termed “neurovascular coupling” (NVC). It has also been observed that NVC is bimodal in that there are two separate mechanisms for control of CBF. One type is rapid [phasic] in response to changes in glutamatergic synaptic activity and release of glutamate (Glu), K+ and nitric oxide (NO). Uptake of Glu and K+ by astrocytes induces Ca2+ waves activating regional astrocyte syncytium have to liberate prostaglandins which in turn dilate capillaries by relaxing surrounding pericytes. The NO dila.. Read More»
  

  Abstract PDF