Vagal sensory neurons mediate the Bezold-Jarisch reflex and induce syncope.

ABSTRACT: Visceral sensory pathways mediate homeostatic reflexes, the dysfunction of which leads to many neurological disorders¹. The Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR), first described^2,3 in 1867, is a cardioinhibitory reflex that is speculated to be mediated by vagal sensory neurons (VSNs) that also triggers syncope. However, the molecular identity, anatomical organization, physiological characteristics and behavioural influence of cardiac VSNs remain mostly unknown. Here we leveraged single-cell RNA-sequencing data and HYBRiD tissue clearing⁴ to show that VSNs that express neuropeptide Y receptor Y2 (NPY2R) predominately connect the heart ventricular wall to the area postrema. Optogenetic activation of NPY2R VSNs elicits the classic triad of BJR responses-hypotension, br

SUBMITTER: Lovelace JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10632149 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature