Cerebral and peripheral blood vessels

Cerebral and peripheral blood vessels comprise the network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins that facilitate blood circulation throughout the brain and the rest of the body. The cerebral vasculature is distinct due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier, which maintains a tightly controlled environment for neuronal function (Source: NIH). Peripheral blood vessels regulate systemic vascular resistance and distribute blood to various organs based on metabolic demand (Source: StatPearls). While these vessels are the site of action for many cardiovascular drugs, they are anatomical structures rather than specific molecular targets. Pathological conditions involving these vessels include atherosclerosis, hypertension, and stroke. Pharmacological treatments typically target specific proteins within the vessel walls, such as L-type calcium channels or nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase, to alter vessel diameter and blood flow (Source: PubChem). For instance, nimodipine is used to reduce the incidence and severity of ischemic deficits in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage by acting on cerebral vessels (Source: FDA).

Other names

Cerebrovascular systemPeripheral vascular systemVasculatureBlood vessel network

Drugs modulate vascular tone by interacting with specific molecular targets such as L-type calcium channels, phosphodiesterases, or adrenoceptors located on the vascular smooth muscle or endothelial cells within these vessels (Source: StatPearls).