Integrative neurovascular coupling and neurotransmitter analyses in pediatric anisometropic and visual deprivation amblyopia

Motivation: Differences in the complex mechanisms of brain neural network coupling in patients with amblyopia and their relationship with neurotransmitters remain unclear. Goal(s): We aimed to investigate neurovascular coupling differences in children with anisometropic amblyopia (AA) and visual deprivation amblyopia (VDA) using MRI and molecular data integration. Approach: MRI-based neurovascular coupling metrics were analyzed across brain regions in the amblyopia and control groups to assess diagnostic and functional distinctions. Results: Amblyopic children exhibited significantly abnormal neurovascular coupling in 17 brain regions, showing distinct classification and neurotransmitter correlation patterns between AA and VDA, suggesting impaired neurovascular function and potential molecular mechanisms. Impact: Children with anisometropic amblyopia and visual deprivation amblyopia exhibited neurovascular coupling dysfunction with neurovascular coupling effects linked to altered receptors and transporters, thus providing information for developing targeted neural therapies for amblyopia.