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Zhong J, Li G, Lv Z, Chen J, Wang C, Shao A, Gong Z, Wang J, Liu S, Luo J, Yang S, Wu S, Ning L, Wang Z, Li J, Wu Y. Neuromodulation of Cerebral Blood Flow: A Physiological Mechanism and Methodological Review of Neurovascular Coupling. Bioengineering (Basel) 2025; 12:442. [PMID: 40428061 PMCID: PMC12108752 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering12050442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2025] [Revised: 04/20/2025] [Accepted: 04/21/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Neurovascular coupling (NVC) refers to the dynamic regulation of cerebral blood flow via neuronal activity, a mechanism crucial for maintaining normal brain function. This review elucidates the intricate physiological mechanisms underlying NVC, emphasizing the coordinated roles of neurons, glial cells, and vascular cells in mediating activity-induced changes in blood flow. We examine how NVC is impaired in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke, where the dysfunction of this coupling contributes to neurodegeneration and neurological deficits. A broad range of techniques for assessing NVC is discussed-encompassing the established modalities like transcranial Doppler, near-infrared spectroscopy, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), as well as emerging technologies such as functional ultrasound imaging and miniaturized endoscopy that enable high-resolution monitoring in deep brain regions. We also highlight the computational modeling approaches for simulating NVC dynamics and identify the novel biomarkers of NVC dysfunction with potential utility in early diagnosis. Finally, emerging translational applications-including neuromodulation techniques and targeted pharmacological interventions-are explored as means to restore normal neurovascular function. These advancements underscore the clinical significance of NVC research, paving the way for improved diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Zhong
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Gen Li
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Zexiang Lv
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Jingbo Chen
- Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China;
| | - Chunyan Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Ansheng Shao
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Zhiwei Gong
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Junjie Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Siqiao Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Jun Luo
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Shuping Yang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Sibei Wu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Lin Ning
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Zhinong Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiahao Li
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Yu Wu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China; (J.Z.); (Z.L.); (A.S.); (Z.G.); (J.W.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (S.Y.); (S.W.); (L.N.); (Z.W.); (J.L.)
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