Uruguayan scientists have discovered a key mechanism in how the brain works, showing how small cells called pericytes help regulate blood flow in a process vital for memory, according to a report by Diario La R, a partner of TV BRICS.
A study by the Uruguayan scientists found that pericytes control the diameter of capillaries through what is known as the Panx1 channel, a process essential for memory and cognitive function. The pericytes act like switches, tightening or loosening blood vessels to match the brain’s energy demands, with the Panx1 channel being central to this regulation.
During experiments, when the researchers blocked or removed the Panx1 channel, the capillaries were no longer able to adjust properly. This resulted in reduced blood flow and weaker cognitive performance, highlighting the strong linkbetween cerebral circulation and brain health.
The team of researchers, from Uruguay’s Clemente Estable Institute and the University of the Republic, said the findings could help in the development of new therapies for neurological disorders. They suggest that targeting the Panx1 channel could be a way to protect memory and brain function.
