Cerebrovascular reactivity

Definition: Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is the ability of blood vessels to change their diameter to adjust tissue blood supply based on tissue demand. One important modulator is partial CO2 pressure in the blood. CVR is a crucial regulatory component of the neurovascular coupling system, ensuring sufficient blood supply and oxygenation to the brain. It is often assessed using CO2 challenges (e.g. increase in partial CO2 pressure through forced CO2 inspiration). CVR can be investigated by measuring the change in cerebral blood flow (CBF) or cerebral blood volume (CBV). CVR is a useful index for the assessment of vascular health in several pathologies, including stroke and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

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References: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.643468/full

Related terms: Cerebral blood flow, Cerebral blood volume