Arterial baroreceptors sense blood pressure through decorated aortic claws

Abstract

Mechanosensory neurons across physiological systems sense force using diverse terminal morphologies. Arterial baroreceptors are sensory neurons that monitor blood pressure for real‐time stabilization of cardiovascular output. Various aortic sensory terminals have been described, but those that sense blood pressure are unclear due to a lack of selective genetic tools. Here, we find that all baroreceptor neurons are marked in Piezo2‐ires‐Cre mice, and then use genetic approaches to visualize the architecture of mechanosensory endings. Cre‐guided ablation of vagal and glossopharyngeal PIEZO2 neurons eliminates the baroreceptor reflex, and aortic depressor nerve effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Genetic mapping reveals that PIEZO2 neurons form a distinctive mechanosensory structure: macroscopic claws that surround the aortic arch and exude fine end‐net endings. Other arterial sensory neurons that form flower spray terminals are dispensable for baroreception. Together, these findings provide structural insights into how blood pressure is sensed in the aortic vessel wall.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by NIH grants (DP1 AT009497, R01 HL132255, and OT2 OD023848) and, a Faculty Scholars Award from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to Stephen D. Liberles. Stephen D. Liberles is an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.Aortic depressor nerve innervate aortic arch with distinct sensory terminals.Figure 1PIEZO2 neurons form aortic claws surrounding the vessel wall.Figure 2