Neurovascular Integrity Maintenance is the continuous physiological process of preserving the structural and functional health of the neurovascular unit, which comprises the blood-brain barrier (BBB), cerebral microvessels, and surrounding glial and neuronal cells. Optimal integrity ensures the precise regulation of cerebral blood flow, the selective transport of nutrients and hormones, and the exclusion of toxins and inflammatory agents from the neural parenchyma. Compromised integrity is a key pathological feature in many neurological disorders.
Origin
This concept stems from the recognition of the neurovascular unit as a critical functional entity in the brain, linking vascular health directly to neurological function. It integrates vascular biology, neurology, and endocrinology, as systemic hormones significantly influence endothelial function and BBB permeability. The clinical goal is to protect this interface from the cumulative damage associated with hypertension, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction.
Mechanism
Maintenance relies on the tight junctions between the cerebral endothelial cells, which are reinforced by the pericytes and astrocyte end-feet, collectively forming the blood-brain barrier. Endocrine factors, such as estrogen and nitric oxide, promote endothelial health and vasodilation, ensuring adequate cerebral perfusion. Furthermore, the active transport systems are maintained to facilitate the necessary influx of glucose and efflux of waste products, all while preserving the delicate chemical milieu of the neuronal environment.
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