Embargoed Until: 12/9/2024; 3 p.m. ET

Overview: A groundbreaking study by scientists at the University of Vermont, published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), uncovers a novel mechanism—Electro-Calcium (E-Ca) Coupling—that reshapes our understanding of brain blood flow regulation. The discovery bridges electrical and calcium signaling in brain capillaries, revealing how the brain ensures precise blood flow to meet its energy demands.

This finding offers a new framework for understanding and potentially treating conditions like stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease, where disruptions in blood flow are an early and defining feature.

Key Findings: A) E-Ca Coupling integrates electrical and calcium signaling in capillaries, amplifying localized blood flow responses; B) electrical signals increase calcium activity by 76%, ensuring blood is evenly distributed across the capillary network; C) the research highlights how restoring cerebral blood flow could slow cognitive decline in diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Why It Matters: This discovery not only provides critical insights into how the brain balances its energy needs but also paves the way for novel therapies targeting blood flow disruptions in neurological diseases.

For Reporters: The study includes detailed experimental results, advanced imaging, and computational modeling. We can provide expert commentary from the lead researcher, Mark Nelson, Ph.D. 

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2415047121

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