Studying adenosine and Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) using pharmacological methods

Abstract

The authors review the use of pharmacological agents to investigate in rodents the role of adenosine (Ado) in the regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Two techniques are highlighted: an in vitro preparation using perfused and pressurized penetrating brain arterioles (the PPP Prep) and in vivo cranial window preparation utilized to study CBF during neuronal activation evoked by contralateral sciatic nerve stimulation. Materials, Methods, and Notes are provided, as well as a data illustrating the utility and power of these techniques.