Fig. 1.

Schematic of the Neurovascular Unit under Stroke Conditions Neurons, astrocytes, cerebral endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix comprise the neurovascular unit. This concept emphasizes the functional aspects of cell–cell and cell–matrix signaling. Under normal conditions, these components work together to maintain brain function. After ischemia, neurovascular damage occurs by multiple deleterious pathways, resulting in loss of brain function. The reader is encouraged to seek more detailed reviews describing these events.^2—7)