Cerebrovascular reactivity

Definition: Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is the ability of blood vessels to change their diameter to adjust tissue blood supply based on tissue demand. One important modulator is partial CO_2 pressure in the blood. CVR is a crucial regulatory component of the neurovascular coupling system, ensuring sufficient blood supply and oxygenation to the brain. It is often assessed using CO_2 challenges (e.g. increase in partial CO_2 pressure through forced CO_2 inspiration). CVR can be investigated by measuring the change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) or cerebral blood volume (CBV). CVR is a useful index for the assessment of vascular health in several pathologies, including stroke and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Category: Neuroscience

Related terms: Cerebral blood flow, Cerebral blood volume

Abbreviation or symbol: CVR

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References: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.643468/full

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