Fig. 1

Schematic representation of the detrimental events following ischemic stroke. Stroke potentiates a cascade of ischemic events that leads to impairment of NVU resulting in BBB damage. Neurovascular unit is made of highly specialized and polarized endothelial cells interconnected by tight junction proteins that seal the brain capillaries. Astrocytes, microglia, and pericytes provide structural and functional support to the BBB. Ischemic stroke leads to NVU remodeling due to detachment of astrocytic endfoot, pericyte detachment, vasconstriction, dysfunction of neurovascular coupling, activation of microglia, and blood vessel rupture