Systemic Piezo1 activation improves cerebrovascular function in Alzheimer's disease.

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) reductions and impaired functional hyperemia (FH) are early features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that contribute to disease progression. Here, we investigated whether systemic activation of the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 affects cerebrovascular deficits in an AD mouse model.

METHODS

Using two-photon in vivo imaging and laser-speckle imaging, we determined CBF, capillary stalling, and FH in the 5xFAD model of AD.

RESULTS

We observed increased capillary stalling and reduced CBF and FH to whisker stimulation in 5xFAD mice compared to wild-type controls. The systemic administration of the Piezo1 agonist Yoda1 led to a ≈ 65% reduction in capillary stalls, increased CBF, and significantly improved FH in response to whisker stimulation, restoring CBF responses in 5xFAD mice to levels comparable to controls.

DISCUSSION: These results suggest that Piezo1 activation improves microvascular flow and neurovascular coupling in AD, highlighting Piezo1 as a promising therapeutic target for early cerebrovascular dysfunction during AD.

HIGHLIGHTS: An Alzheimer's disease (AD) animal model demonstrates reduced brain capillary blood flow and impaired neurovascular coupling. Pharmacological activation of Piezo1 at the systemic level improves blood flow and functional hyperemia during AD. Piezo1 is involved in cerebrovascular dysfunction associated with AD.