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Autonomic control of cerebral blood flow: Fundamental comparisons between peripheral and cerebrovascular circulations in humans, 2021, Koep et al.

Discussion in 'Other health news and research' started by Mij, Nov 29, 2021.

  1. Mij

    Mij Senior Member (Voting Rights)

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    8,204
    Abstract
    Understanding the contribution of the autonomic nervous system to cerebral blood flow (CBF) control is challenging, and interpretations are unclear. The identification of calcium channels and adrenoreceptors within cerebral vessels has led to common misconceptions that the function of these receptors and actions mirror those of the peripheral vasculature.

    This review outlines the fundamental differences and complex actions of cerebral autonomic activation compared to the peripheral circulation. Anatomical differences, including the closed nature of the cerebrovasculature, and differential adrenoreceptor subtypes, density, distribution and sensitivity, provide evidence that measures on peripheral sympathetic nerve activity cannot be extrapolated to the cerebrovasculature. Cerebral sympathetic nerve activity seems to act opposingly to the peripheral circulation, mediated at least in part by changes in intracranial pressure and cerebral blood volume.

    Additionally, heterogeneity in cerebral adrenoreceptor distribution highlights regional-specific autonomic regulation of CBF. Compensatory chemo- and autoregulatory responses throughout the cerebral circulation, and interactions with parasympathetic nerve activity are unique features to the cerebral circulation. This crosstalk between sympathetic and parasympathetic reflexes acts to ensure adequate perfusion of CBF to rising and falling perfusion pressures, optimising delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, whilst attempting to maintain blood volume and intracranial pressure.

    Herein, we highlight the distinct similarities and differences between autonomic control of cerebral and peripheral blood flow, and the regional specificity of sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation within the cerebrovasculature. Future research directions are outlined with the goal to further our understanding of autonomic control of CBF in humans.

    https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP281058
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 29, 2021
  2. Mithriel

    Mithriel Senior Member (Voting Rights)

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    2,815
    Interesting that the systems work differently. It shows that inferring how something works is not always correct. A lot of the somatisation theories are because thet say the results are "incongruent" with known disease but this shows that biology is not straightforward.
     
  3. Milo

    Milo Senior Member (Voting Rights)

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    2,107
    alktipping likes this.

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