Abstract 381: Chemogenetic Activation of Satellite Glial Gq-GPCR Signaling Enhances Cardiovascular Function in vivo

Abstract

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) exerts profound regulatory influence over cardiovascular physiology. The integrated network among autonomic nuclei in the central nervous system (CNS), as well as ganglionic innervation in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are essential for homeostasis and for coordinating adaptive changes in physiology and behavior. In addition to neurons, the ANS contains large numbers of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) - expressing cells (GFAP + glial cells), which serve many functions in assisting neuronal network activity in both the CNS and the PNS. The present study explores the active role of GFAP + glial cells in regulating cardiovascular function in vivo . Using DREADD technology, we selectively activate Gq-GPCR signaling in satellite glial cells (SGCs) within sympathetic ganglia, which led to fast-acting, long-lasting increases in cardiac function and blood pressure in vivo . In addition, ganglionic SGCs likely increase postganglionic neuronal firing and subsequent norepinephrine release via a “local stimulatory effect“ on postganglionic neurons. Ongoing studies ex vivo using superior cervical ganglia cultures focus on identifying the mechanism underlying the interaction between sympathetic SGCs and postganglionic neurons.