title: Autonomic function and brain volume.
abstract: The aim of this study is to review the evidence on the role of the autonomic nervous system as a determinant of brain volume. Brain volume measures have gained increasing attention given its biological importance, particularly as a measurement of neurodegeneration.
  
  
  
  Using an integrative approach, we reviewed publications addressing the anatomical and physiological characteristics of brain autonomic innervation focusing on evidence from diverse clinical populations with respect to brain volume.
  
  
  
  Multiple mechanisms contribute to changes in brain volume. Autonomic influence on cerebral blood volume is of significant interest.
  
  
  
  We suggest a role for the autonomic innervation of brain vessels in fluctuations of cerebral blood volume. Further investigation in several clinical populations including multiple sclerosis is warranted to understand the specific role of parenchyma versus blood vessels changes on final brain volume.
authors: Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London, ON, Canada. juanracosta@hotmail.com.|Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 339 Windermere Road, London, ON, Canada. juanracosta@hotmail.com.
authors: Juan M
authors: JM
authors: Racosta
authors: Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London, ON, Canada.|Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 339 Windermere Road, London, ON, Canada.
authors: Kurt
authors: K
authors: Kimpinski
mesh_terms: D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans
keywords: Autonomic dysfunction; Autonomic innervation; Brain vessels; Brain volume; Cerebral blood volume