Pericyte Channels Control Capillary Blood Flow and Memory

Capillaries regulate much of the brain’s vascular resistance, yet the molecular signals controlling pericyte contractility remain poorly defined.

A recent study showed that Pannexin 1 (Panx) channels expressed in pericytes regulate capillary diameter by controlling ATP release and purinergic signaling. In the mouse hippocampus, Panx1 activity amplified pericyte Ca²⁺ signaling, drove ATP-dependent capillary constriction, and mediated glutamate-evoked dilation during neuronal activity.

Deleting Panx1 specifically in pericytes disrupted capillary responses and impaired performance of memory tasks.

The study also used immunofluorescence detection of Panx1 as well as P2X7 and P2Y6 receptors, highlighting their localization in the neurovascular unit. In our latest blog, we uncover the mechanism linking neuronal signaling with ATP release and microvascular control.

Read the full blog here

How Pericyte Channels Shape Brain Blood Flow and Memory

How does the brain match blood flow to activity - and why does it matter for memory?

New research points to pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels in pericytes as a critical missing link. By controlling ATP release, Panx1 fine-tunes calcium signaling and capillary diameter in response to neuronal activity.