The role of neuronal signaling in controlling cerebral blood flow.
Well-regulated blood flow within the brain is vital to normal function. The brain's requirement for sufficient blood flow is ensured by a tight link between neural activity and blood flow. The link between regional synaptic activity and regional cerebral blood flow, termed functional hyperemia, is the basis for several modern imaging techniques that have revolutionized the study of human brain activity. Here, we review the mechanisms of functional hyperemia and their implications for interpreting the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) contrast signal used in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Drake
Carrie T
CT
Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Division of Neurobiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 411 East 69th St., New York, NY 10128, USA. ctdrake@med.cornell.edu
Iadecola
Costantino
C
D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000378:metabolism*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*