The role of ion channels on the physiology of the neurovascular unit and the regulation of cerebral blood flow

The neurovascular unit, composed of neurons, brain endothelial cells, pericytes, microglia, and astrocytes, regulates cerebral blood flow. physical chemical signals govern the physiology unit within network its cellular components. Astrocytes have an essential role in this since they a privileged anatomical relationship with rest cells. They are capable sensing released by their neighboring releasing transmitters, controlling extracellular K+ concentration. Moreover, astrocytes play crucial providing oxygen nutrients to neurons during high neuronal firing activity. This manuscript will briefly discuss recent evidence astrocytes' contribution plethora ion channels leading mechanisms involved unit.