Shocking insights for neurovascular coupling: Electrical signals ignite calcium dynamics in brain capillaries

Abstract

Brain capillaries contribute to neurovascular coupling (NVC) by sensing neural activity and coordinating upstream arteriole dilation. However, the mechanisms underlying conducted vasodilation remain incompletely understood. Recent findings (PNAS, 2024) identify a novel process, “electrocalcium coupling,” in which hyperpolarizing signals from K⁺ channels drive long-range Ca²⁺ signaling in capillaries, revealing new insights into the integration of vasodilatory signals in the brain.