Nerve growth factor transfer from cardiomyocytes to innervating sympathetic neurons activates TrkA receptors at the neuro-cardiac junction.

ABSTRACT: Sympathetic neurons densely innervate the myocardium with non-random topology and establish structured contacts (i.e. neuro-cardiac junctions, NCJ) with cardiomyocytes, allowing synaptic intercellular communication. Establishment of heart innervation is regulated by molecular mediators released by myocardial cells. The mechanisms underlying maintenance of cardiac innervation in the fully developed heart, are, however, less clear. Notably, several cardiac diseases, primarily affecting cardiomyocytes, are associated with sympathetic denervation, supporting the hypothesis that retrograde 'cardiomyocyte-to-sympathetic neuron' communication is essential for heart cellular homeostasis. We aimed to determine whether cardiomyocytes provide nerve growth factor (NGF) to sympathetic neurons, and the

SUBMITTER: Dokshokova L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9321700 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature