| Popis: |
This thesis addresses the challenge of understanding and evaluating cerebrovascular dysfunction in animal models of depression by introducing a novel approach to establishing and validating a composite metric of vascular function, the vascular health index (VHI). VHI integrates markers of vascular reactivity, vascular wall mechanics, and microvascular network density, providing a reliable and consistent assessment of this important aspect of brain function. This thesis demonstrates the validity and utility of VHI in evaluating integrated vascular function and the effectiveness of interventions to improve microvascular function. This comprehensive approach addresses the need for a standardized metric for cerebrovascular dysfunction, allowing for more accurate evaluation of the extent of vascular impairment throughout the course of chronic conditions like depression, metabolic syndrome and so on. VHI provides researchers with a valuable tool for gaining insight into the efficacy of interventions to improve microvascular function and developing new treatments and therapies for complex disorders. |
