Figure showing how we used the two-photon laser to ablate the pericyte around the precapillary sphincter.

After #LaserAblating pericytes around #PrecapillarySphincters, we observed impaired #MyogenicResponse and #NeurovascularCoupling—demonstrating #PrecapillarySphincter pericyte contractility is essential.

Here is a #precapillarysphincter. As #arterioles 🟢 dive into the 🧠, they branch to smaller vessels. When larger arterioles (15-25um) branch into #capillaries, they need a #sphincter (3-4um) to reduce #RBC flow⚫️ and pressure in the #capillary. The resistance is provided by #muralcell🔴 encirclement.