On Wednesday 14 January at 13:00, Vitalii Dashkovskyi defends his PhD dissertation entitled "The Role of Non-Classical Cortical GABAergic Neurons in Brain Hemodynamics",

The outermost layer of the brain's cortex contains specialised inhibitory neurons that control information flow. This surface layer is also where blood vessels enter the brain cortex, making it a critical site for regulating blood supply to the deeper tissue. Yet, how these neurons regulate blood flow has remained poorly understood. This work identifies NDNF-expressing neurons as underappreciated regulators of cortical vasoconstriction. 

In his PhD project, PhD fellow Vitalii Dashkovskyi investigated the role of NDNF-expressing inhibitory neurons in layer I of the cortex in regulating blood flow. Using two-photon microscopy in awake mice, the research identified neurons that become active after the peak of sensory-evoked hyperemia, just before the vasoconstriction phase begins, suggesting their direct involvement in this process.

Optogenetic activation of these neurons confirmed predominantly constrictive effects of their activity. At the mesoscale, widespread hemodynamic suppression was observed, in contrast to the rapid hyperemia induced by activating excitatory neurons. These findings shed light on negative BOLD responses observed in functional MRI studies and have potential implications for understanding cerebrovascular dysfunction in aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

The summary is written by the PhD student.

The defence is public and takes place in auditorium 204 Eduard Biermann, Building 1252 (Søauditorierne). Please see the press release for more information. 

Contact

PhD student Vitalii Dashkovskyi
Mail: vitali@cfin.au.dk  
Phone: +45 20667088 

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