Bidirectional control of CNS capillary diameter by pericytes

Claire M. Peppiatt, Clare Howarth, Peter Mobbs and David Attwell ()
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Claire M. Peppiatt: University College London
Clare Howarth: University College London
Peter Mobbs: University College London
David Attwell: University College London

Nature, 2006, vol. 443, issue 7112, 700-704

Abstract: Brain imaging: seeing red Non-invasive imaging techniques that reveal those parts of the brain that are active by detecting the increased blood flow that supplies extra glucose and oxygen to active nerve cells. Until now it was assumed that blood flow is controlled by the contraction of smooth muscle around large blood vessels called arterioles. Now an additional level of blood flow control has been discovered, downstream of arterioles. This control is exerted by the pericytes, small cells that wrap around the capillaries close to active nerve cells. The pericytes, that act by squeezing the capillary to reduce blood flow though it, are likely to contribute to the signals detected in brain imaging techniques, and could also provide a target for therapy in disorders of brain blood flow.

Date: 2006
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DOI: 10.1038/nature05193

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