2016 Volume 27 Issue 2 Pages 271-275
The concept of the neurovascular unit (NVU) has been established recently. It is a minimal theoretical unit composed of neurons, astrocytes, endothelial cells, pericytes, and extracellular matrix proteins to exert neurological functions. It has been elucidated that pericytes are absolutely needed for the formation of the tight junction between endothelial cells, i.e. blood-brain barrier (BBB), by directly interacting with endothelial cells. Genetic factors, ageing, and life-style diseases can affect pericyte functions. Dysfunctions of pericytes directly cause the disruption of the BBB and subsequent impairment of neurological functions. In this review, I will mention shortly the development and physiological functions of pericyte and then the roles of pericytes in the maintenance and repair of the BBB and in the repair of infarct lesions after brain infarction. Now pericytes could be thought as a therapeutic target in various disorders of the central nervous system, including cerebrovascular diseases.