Neurovascular Coupling in Health and Neurovascular Uncoupling in Disease: Insight from Mathematical Models
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Elevation of neuronal activity in the brain is rapidly accompanied by an increase in local cerebral blood flow (CBF) to allow adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to active neurons. This process, known as neurovascular coupling (NVC) or functional hyperemia, is essential for normal functioning of the brain and is disrupted in a wide range of neurological disorders. Despite the utmost importance of this process, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this research, we utilize a multiscale mathematical modeling approach to identify the key determinants of this process in health and their disruption in pathological conditions, in particular during small vessel disease and cortical spreading depression, in realistic microvascular networks.