Control of the neurovascular coupling by nitric oxide-dependent regulation of astrocytic Ca2+ signaling
Neuronal activity must be tightly coordinated with blood flow to keep proper brain function, which is achieved by a mechanism known as neurovascular coupling.Then, an increase in synaptic activity leads to a dilation of local parenchymal arterioles that matches the enhanced metabolic demand.Neurovascular coupling is orchestrated by astrocytes.These