Imaging pericytes and capillary diameter in brain slices and isolated retinae - PubMed (original) (raw)

Imaging pericytes and capillary diameter in brain slices and isolated retinae

Anusha Mishra et al. Nat Protoc. 2014 Feb.

Erratum in

Abstract

The cerebral circulation is highly specialized, both structurally and functionally, and it provides a fine-tuned supply of oxygen and nutrients to active regions of the brain. Our understanding of blood flow regulation by cerebral arterioles has evolved rapidly. Recent work has opened new avenues in microvascular research; for example, it has been demonstrated that contractile pericytes found on capillary walls induce capillary diameter changes in response to neurotransmitters, suggesting that pericytes could have a role in neurovascular coupling. This concept is at odds with traditional models of brain blood flow regulation, which assume that only arterioles control cerebral blood flow. The investigation of mechanisms underlying neurovascular coupling at the capillary level requires a range of approaches, which involve unique technical challenges. Here we provide detailed protocols for the successful physiological and immunohistochemical study of pericytes and capillaries in brain slices and isolated retinae, allowing investigators to probe the role of capillaries in neurovascular coupling. This protocol can be completed within 6-8 h; however, immunohistochemical experiments may take 3-6 d.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Dev Psychobiol. 1983 Mar;16(2):83-109 - PubMed
    1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998 Dec 22;95(26):15741-6 - PubMed
    1. J Neurosci. 2012 Jun 27;32(26):8940-51 - PubMed
    1. Front Neuroenergetics. 2010 May 21;2: - PubMed
    1. Neuroimage. 2010 Nov 1;53(2):399-411 - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources