Neurovascular Coupling: Physiological Foundations, Assessment Methods, and Post-Stroke Changes

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Abstract

The aim of this article is to summarize current knowledge on the physiological basis of neurovascular coupling, highlight key aspects of its disruption in stroke, and consider the potential of integrating functional magnetic resonance imaging and arterial spin labeling methods for assessing these processes. The article describes in detail the mechanism of neurovascular coupling under normal conditions, as well as the impact of stroke on neurovascular uncoupling in the lesion site and in intact brain regions. Special attention is given to the use of functional MRI and arterial spin labeling as tools for evaluating perfusion changes and neuronal activity. Recent studies are reviewed to illustrate their application in clinical and research contexts, with an assessment of the strengths and limitations of these techniques in characterizing neurovascular coupling. The prospects of integrating these approaches for comprehensive assessment and monitoring of neurovascular coupling, and for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring neurovascular interactions in stroke patients, are discussed. This article provides a scientific basis for further studies in functional, quantitative, and noninvasive neuroimaging with a focus on evaluating neurovascular impairments.

About the authors

V. D Abramova

International Tomography Center, Siberian Branch of the RAS (SB RAS); Novosibirsk State University

Email: victoria.d.abramova@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-3791-7950
Junior Researcher; PhD student Novosibirsk, Russian Federation; Novosibirsk, Russian Federation

E. D Petrovskiy

International Tomography Center, Siberian Branch of the RAS (SB RAS)

Email: petrovskiy@tomo.nsc.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4325-4062
Junior Researcher Novosibirsk, Russian Federation

A. M Korostyshevskaya

International Tomography Center, Siberian Branch of the RAS (SB RAS)

Email: koro@tomo.nsc.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0095-8994
Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Leading Researcher Novosibirsk, Russian Federation

A. A Savelov

International Tomography Center, Siberian Branch of the RAS (SB RAS)

Email: as@tomo.nsc.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5332-2607
PhD (Physics), Senior Researcher Novosibirsk, Russian Federation

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