Stress and neurovascular coupling: a red flag? The SABPA study

Abstract

Neuronal hyperactivity mediates communication between neurons and blood vessels (neurovascular coupling) and increases susceptibility for retinal ganglion cells functionality. Contrastingly, monoamine depletion and hypo-activity of cortisol reflected major depression, which may also disturb neurovascular coupling. Hence our objectives were to assess: 1) trajectories of two major stress hormones (norepinephrine and cortisol) over 3 yrs; and determine 2) associations between the retinal vasculature and stress hormone changes and responses during flicker-light-induced-provocation (FLIP)