journal article·2026-04Open access

Real‐Time and High‐Resolution NIR‐II‐L Imaging of Netrin‐1‐Mediated Neurovascular Coupling Driven by Dose‐Dependent Electroacupuncture

Yicong Wang, Zi‐Han Chen, Jiajia Li, Wei Hu, Ying Cao, Yu Wang, Xiaoyu Tong, Wenhan Lu, Yuze Yang, Yuehao Wang, Yan Xiao, Wenhao Gao, Yuning Chen, Yuyan Hou, Fan Zhang, Yi Feng

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 19

Abstract

ABSTRACT Accumulating evidence implicates that disrupted ovarian neurovascular coupling is a vital driver for polycystic ovary syndrome. Electroacupuncture (EA), as a form of peripheral neuromodulation, offers a potential therapeutic avenue to restore this coupling and improve ovarian function. However, how neural regulation leads to vascular changes remains unclear. Conventional histological and imaging methods cannot capture either immediate or long‐term effects of EA on neurovascular dynamics, as they are limited by the lack of real‐time and continuous in vivo visualization. Here, core–shell lanthanide nanocrystals α‐NaYbF 4 :2%Er,2%Ce@NaYF 4 showed deep‐tissue penetration in the second near‐infrared long‐wavelength region (NIR‐II‐L, 1500–1900 nm). Moreover, it could achieve real‐time and high‐resolution visualization of EA‐induced structural and functional changes in the ovarian blood vessels. Our results showed that immediate EA (iEA) at specific parameters and acupoints transiently induced ovarian vasodilation, while cumulative EA (cEA) further strengthened sympathetic‐vascular coupling, leading to sustained improvements in local perfusion and follicular development. Additionally, we validated that these effects were dependent on the neurovascular coupling mediator Netrin‐1, an axon guidance molecule increasingly recognized for its role in arterial innervation and blood flow regulation in peripheral organs. This study elucidated parameter‐specific mechanisms by which EA regulated ovarian function and proposed a visualizable strategy for in vivo analysis of neurovascular structural‐functional remodeling.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Axon Guidance and Neuronal Signaling · Ovarian function and disorders · Acupuncture Treatment Research Studies

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences Shanghai Medical College Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology Fudan University Shanghai China

Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Shanghai China

Fudan Zhangjiang Institute Shanghai China

Department of Chemistry College of Smart Materials and Future Energy New Cornerstone Science Laboratory State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials and Ichem Fudan University Shanghai China

Suzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Gynecology Department Suzhou City Jiangsu Province China

Department of Neurology Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jinan China

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science Eye & ENT Hospital Shanghai Medical College Fudan University Shanghai China

Department of Medical Physics Shanghai Proton and Heavy lon Center Shanghai China

Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology Shanghai China

Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy Shanghai China

Reproductive Medicine Center Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai P. R. China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation

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