The astrocytic contribution to neurovascular coupling - Still more questions than answers?

► Astrocytic morphology and metabolism determine character of response in NVC. ► Astrocyte controls pre-capillary, post-capillary and capillary fragments of brain microvasculature. ► Gliotransmission comprises specific intra- and extracellular signaling pathways. ► Astrocytic role in pathological processes is multipotential and ambiguous.