Role of perictyte nanotubes in age-related neurovascular dysfunction

The Schwartz lab has developed a paradigm for measuring light-driven blood vessel dynamics in the ex vivo retina. We will use rhodamine to visualize the vasculature and perform time-lapse two-photon imaging in each vascular layer while presenting light stimuli to the photoreceptors. Preliminary experiments using this technique in WT mice have shown robust light-driven constrictions and dilations in the middle and superficial capillary plexus, respectively. Alterations in these responses in the LKB1 KO mice and/or in the presence of dopamine receptor pharmacology will offer insights into the pathways that control neurovascular coupling in the retina.

The Schwartz lab has developed a paradigm for measuring light-driven blood vessel dynamics in the ex vivo retina. We will use rhodamine to visualize the vasculature and perform time-lapse two-photon imaging in each vascular layer while presenting light stimuli to the photoreceptors. Preliminary experiments using this technique in WT mice have shown robust light-driven constrictions and dilations in the middle and superficial capillary plexus, respectively. Alterations in these responses in the LKB1 KO mice and/or in the presence of dopamine receptor pharmacology will offer insights into the pathways that control neurovascular coupling in the retina.