Astrocytes: Astrocytes form a biological bridge between the neuronal synapse and small arterioles in the brain and appear to mediate increases in regional cerebral blood flow in response to elevated levels of synaptic activity (“neurovascular coupling”). In collaboration with Dr. Ronald Tjakens, we are investigating neurovascular coupling in an experimental model of Parkinson’s disease. These studies examine the hypothesis that TRPC channels mediate calcium signaling in astrocytes and that impaired channel function may interfere with normal cerebral blood flow regulation.
