Modulation of the Neurovascular Unit by the Locus Coeruleus–Norepinephrine System: From Physiological Mechanisms to Therapeutic Applications

Neurovascular unit (NVU), a dynamic functional complex integrating neurons, glial cells, and cerebrovascular components, serves as the cornerstone for understanding brain pathophysiology. The locus coeruleus (LC)-norepinephrine (NE) system, through its extensive noradrenergic projections, critically modulates both cellular and systemic functions of the NVU. This review aims to systematically introduce the anatomical structure and functional characteristics of the LC-NE system and NVU, analyze the specific effects of the LC-NE system on NVU cellular components, explore the physiological mechanisms by which the LC-NE system regulates overall NVU function, and evaluate translational therapeutic applications targeting LC-NE pathways for NVU restoration. Deciphering the modulation of NVU by the LC-NE system not only provides novel insights into brain physiology but also opens new avenues for developing therapies targeting neurological disorders.