Nerves and blood vessels (BVs) establish extensive arborized networks to innervate tissues and deliver oxygen/metabolic support. Developmental cues direct the formation of these intricate and often overlapping patterns, which reflect close interactions within the peripheral neurovascular system. Besides the mutual dependence to survive and function, nerves and BVs share several receptors and ligands, as well as principles of differentiation, growth and pathfinding. Neurovascular (NV) interactions are maintained in adult life and are essential for certain regenerative mechanisms, such as wound healing. In pathological situations (e.g., type 2 diabetes mellitus), the NV system can be severely perturbed and become dysfunctional. Unwanted neural growth and vascularization are also associated with the progression of some pathologies, such as cancer and endometriosis. In this review, we describe the fundamental NV interactions in development, highlighting the similarities between both networks and wiring mechanisms. We also describe the NV contribution to regenerative processes and potential pathological dysfunctions. Finally, we provide an overview of current in vitro models used to replicate and investigate the NV ecosystem, addressing present limitations and future perspectives.

神经和血管 (BVs) 建立了广泛的树枝状网络来支配组织并提供氧气/代谢支持。发育线索指导这些复杂且经常重叠的模式的形成，这反映了周围神经血管系统内的密切相互作用。除了生存和功能的相互依赖外，神经和 BV 还共享几种受体和配体，以及分化、生长和寻路的原则。神经血管 (NV) 相互作用在成人生活中得以维持，并且对于某些再生机制（例如伤口愈合）至关重要。在病理情况下（例如，2 型糖尿病），NV 系统可能会受到严重干扰并出现功能障碍。不需要的神经生长和血管化也与一些病理的进展有关，比如癌症和子宫内膜异位症。在这篇评论中，我们描述了开发中的基本 NV 交互，强调了网络和布线机制之间的相似之处。我们还描述了 NV 对再生过程和潜在病理功能障碍的贡献。最后，我们提供当前的概述用于复制和研究 NV 生态系统的体外模型，解决当前的局限性和未来的前景。