Abstract
There is a complex interaction between the brain and the cerebral vasculature to meet the metabolic demands of the brain for proper function. Preservation of cerebrovascular function and integrity has a central role in this sophisticated communication within the brain, and any derangements can have deleterious acute and chronic consequences. In almost all forms of cognitive impairment, from mild to Alzheimer disease, there are changes in cerebrovascular function and structure leading to decreased cerebral blood flow, which may initiate or worsen cognitive impairment. In this focused review, we discuss the contribution of 2 major vasoactive pathways to cerebrovascular dysfunction and cognitive impairment in an effort to identify early intervention strategies.
Keywords:
brain; cardiovascular system; cognitive dysfunction; endothelins; renin-angiotensin system.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology
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Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / therapeutic use
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacokinetics
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Animals
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Blood-Brain Barrier
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Brain / metabolism
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Cerebrovascular Circulation* / drug effects
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Cognition / physiology*
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Cognition Disorders / physiopathology*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Endothelins / physiology*
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Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
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Forecasting
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Humans
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Receptors, Angiotensin / drug effects
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Receptors, Angiotensin / physiology
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Receptors, Endothelin / physiology
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Renin-Angiotensin System / drug effects
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Renin-Angiotensin System / physiology*
Substances
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Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
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Endothelins
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Receptors, Angiotensin
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Receptors, Endothelin