Neuronal control of brain microvessel function

Abstract

Cerebral capillary endothelium forms a barrier limiting and controlling the movement of ions and solutes between blood and brain. Recent anatomical, physiological and biochemical studies have suggested the possibility that capillary function may be directly controlled by neuronal structures. Alterations in neuronal systems involved in the regulation of microcirculation may account for microvascular dysfunctions which occur in different pathologic conditions.