Altered somatosensory neurovascular coupling in patients with becker muscular dystrophy

Abstract

Background: In patients suffering from Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) variable degrees of cognitive impairment have been reported in addition to the well-known muscular and cardiac symptoms. BMD is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, changing the cellular dystrophin complex and subsequent muscular blood flow. Few studies have addressed the mechanisms of cognitive impairment. Lack of dystrophin, however, causes secondary loss of vasoactive molecules such as nitric oxide, which is as an important player in brain vascular control.