Differential contribution of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in shaping neurovascular coupling in different epileptic neural states

Understanding the neurovascular coupling (NVC) underlying hemodynamic changes in epilepsy is crucial to properly interpreting functional brain imaging signals associated with epileptic events. However, how excitatory and inhibitory neurons affect vascular responses in different epileptic states remains unknown. We conducted real-time in vivo measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF), vessel diameter, and excitatory and inhibitory neuronal calcium signals during recurrent focal seizures. During preictal states, decreases in CBF and arteriole diameter were closely related to decreased gamma-band local field potential (LFP) power, which was linked to relatively elevated excitatory and reduced inhibitory neuronal activity levels. Notably, this preictal condition was followed by a strengthened ictal event. In particular, the preictal inhibitory activity level was positively correlated with coherent oscillating activity specific to inhibitory neurons. In contrast, ictal states were characterized by elevated synchrony in excitatory neurons. Given these findings, we suggest that excitatory and inhibitory neurons differentially contribute to shaping the ictal and preictal neural states, respectively. Moreover, the preictal vascular activity, alongside with the gamma-band, may reflect the relative levels of excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity, and upcoming ictal activity. Our findings provide useful insights into how perfusion signals of different epileptic states are related in terms of NVC.

Automated summary

This study revealed the differential effects of excitatory and inhibitory neurons on vascular responses in epilepsy states. Preictal vascular activity, gamma-band power, and neuronal activity levels were closely related, with distinct roles played by different types of neurons in different epileptic states.