Regulation of neurogliovascular unit metabolism and vascular tone by arachidonic acid derivatives: Model approach

Experimental and theoretical studies of brain activity have led to an understanding of the need to consider the interactions between the main components of nervous tissue - neurons, astrocytes, and blood vessels – and to the formation of the concept of the neurogliovascular unit. According to this hypothesis, the interaction of individual elements of the unit is the key force determining the normal functioning of the brain, and disruptions in these interactions lead to irreversible consequences, including the development of various neurodegenerative pathologies. It is known that during astrocytic activity, arachidonic acid is released and its derivatives are synthesized, which directly influence vascular tone, thereby further altering synaptic activity. In this study, we propose a model of the neurogliovascular unit that takes into account astrocytic processes, synaptic activity, and vascular dynamics, considering the synthesis of arachidonic acid and its derivatives. The results of numerical solution of the model suggest that we can control vascular dynamics through the arachidonic acid metabolites profile, including the oxygen-dependent regulation, which directly affect synaptic activity.