Parasympathetic innervation of vertebrobasilar arteries: is this a potential clinical target?

Eva V L Roloff, Ana M Tomiak-Baquero, Sergey Kasparov, Julian F R Paton

Research output: Contribution to journalReview article (Academic Journal)peer-review

40 Citations (Scopus)
324 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This review aims to summarise the contemporary evidence for the presence and function of the parasympathetic innervation of the cerebral circulation with emphasis on the vertebral and basilar arteries (the posterior cerebral circulation). We consider whether the parasympathetic innervation of blood vessels could be used as a means to increase cerebral blood flow. This may have clinical implications for pathologies associated with cerebral hypoperfusion such as stroke, dementia and hypertension. Relative to the anterior cerebral circulation little is known of the origins and neurochemical phenotypes of the parasympathetic innervation of the vertebrobasilar arteries. These vessels normally provide blood flow to the brainstem and cerebellum but can, via the Circle of Willis upon stenosis of the internal carotid arteries, supply blood to the anterior cerebral circulation too. We review the multiple types of parasympathetic fibres and their distinct transmitter mechanisms and how these vary with age, disease and species. We highlight the importance of parasympathetic fibres for mediating the vasodilatory response to sympathetic activation. Current trials are investigating the possibility of electrically stimulating the postganglionic parasympathetic ganglia to improve cerebal blood flow to reduce the penumbra following stroke. We conclude that although there are substantial gaps in our understanding of the origins of parasympathetic innervation of the vertebrobasilar arteries, activation of this system under some conditions might bring therapeutic benefits.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6463-6485
Number of pages23
JournalJournal of Physiology
Volume594
Issue number22
Early online date5 Oct 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Nov 2016

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Carotid Artery, Internal
  • Cerebral Arteries
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Humans
  • Parasympathetic Nervous System
  • Vasodilation
  • Journal Article
  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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