The cellular and molecular mechanisms of cerebrovascular regeneration and repair

Abstract

<p indent=0mm>Stroke is a severe acute cerebrovascular disease that can cause a number of neuronal deaths and brain edema. The treatment of ischemic stroke mainly includes hyperacute vascular recanalization and later pro-angiogenesis therapy. At present, the promotion of angiogenesis is mainly through the combined application of vascular growth factors and guidance molecules, and the transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells to promote vascular regeneration and repair. Pericytes can promote angiogenesis and rebuild brain-blood-barrier. Activated platelets shed microparticles, which contain a variety of growth factors central to angiogenesis and neurogenesis during brain vascular regeneration. The newly discovered meningeal lymphatic vessels can invade the injured parenchyma to resolve edema and act as “growing tracks” to guide the growth of nascent blood vessels. These functions of pericytes, platelets, and the meningeal lymphatics suggest their potential as novel pro-angiogenic targets for ischemic stroke. In addition to ischemic stroke, microbleeds resulting from ruptures in microvessels are also a very extensive chronic cerebrovascular disease. After cerebral microbleeds, microglia can mediate the repair of brain vascular rupture through direct physical adhesion and mechanical traction. Here, we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms in cerebral vascular regeneration and repair. In addition, we provide our perspectives for future mechanistic studies and treatment strategies for neurovascular diseases.