Mechanosensitive Calcium Fluxes in the Neurovascular Unit: TRP Channel Regulation of the Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier of the neurovascular unit is a critical organ for normal brain function. It is continuously exposed to mechanical stress both from the peripheral circulation and plasma osmolarity changes. Barrier integrity is regulated by a number of mechanisms, including influx of calcium ions and activation of calcium-sensitive signaling pathways. This review addresses the molecular identity of the channels underlying mechanosensitive calcium influx, and hypothesizes a central role for transient receptor potential channels in mechanosensitive regulation of blood-brain barrier endothelial cell function.