Maturation of the neurovascular coupling
The neuronal and the vascular system constitute two halves of the same functional unit: the neurovascular unit. While both are immature, they are sufficiently efficient to produce a neurovascular coupling that provides the necessary energy to supply the functioning neuronal network. We will present in this talk the different structural stages of the neuronal and vascular units, macro, meso and microscopically. Functionally, results from fMRI but also from functional Near Infrared spectroscopy suggest that this immaturity is already functional in preterms as early as 28 weeks Gestational age. We will present some analysis of the neurovascular coupling using EEG and Near Infrared spectroscopy that supports the hypothesis of an already functional neurovascular unit at this early stage of development, even if the response is not prototypic as in adults.
Fabrice Wallois, Mina Nourhashemi, Mahdi Mahmoudzadeh
Key Words: EEG, Optical Imaging, fNIRS, neurovascular coupling, Premature Development
The neuronal and the vascular system constitute two halves of the same functional unit: the neurovascular unit. While both are immature, they are sufficiently efficient to produce a neurovascular coupling that provides the necessary energy to supply the functioning neuronal network. We will present in this talk the different structural stages of the neuronal and vascular units, macro, meso and microscopically. Functionally, results from fMRI but also from functional Near Infrared spectroscopy suggest that this immaturity is already functional in preterms as early as 28 weeks Gestational age. We will present some analysis of the neurovascular coupling using EEG and Near Infrared spectroscopy that supports the hypothesis of an already functional neurovascular unit at this early stage of development, even if the response is not prototypic as in adults.
Fabrice Wallois, Mina Nourhashemi, Mahdi Mahmoudzadeh
Key Words: EEG, Optical Imaging, fNIRS, neurovascular coupling, Premature Development