Lessons from a Mouse Model Characterizing Features of Vascular Cognitive Impairment with White Matter Changes

Figure 4

A schematic illustration of oligovascular niche. In the “oligovascular niche,” crosstalk between endothelial cells and oligodendrocytes mediated by an exchange of soluble signals (e.g., trophic factors or chemical messengers) might play an important role in sustaining oligodendrocyte homeostasis and WM integrity. Since oxidative stress and inflammation caused by cerebral hypoperfusion would be detrimental for this niche, maintenance of white matter integrity or oligovascular protection could be achieved by proangiogenic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory interventions. OPC: oligodendrocyte precursor cell.