The neurovascular link in health and disease: an update.
Although the nervous and vascular systems are functionally different, they show a high degree of anatomic parallelism and cross-talk. They also share similar mechanisms and molecular cues that regulate their development and maintenance. Malfunctioning of this cross-talk can cause or influence several vascular and neuronal disorders. In this review, we first provide a brief overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the neurovascular link. Second, we focus on two neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to illustrate how a defective neurovascular link might contribute to their pathogenesis. Finally, we briefly discuss some therapeutic implications of the neurovascular link for designing strategies to treat these diseases.
Vesalius Research Center (VRC), VIB, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
Inmaculada
I
Segura
Frederik
F
De Smet
Philipp J
PJ
Hohensinner
Carmen
C
Ruiz de Almodovar
Peter
P
Carmeliet
D000818:Animals; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D009420:Nervous System / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy