The long-term objective of the proposed research is the further characterization of the intrinsic cardiac nerves (ICN) and their role in the regulation of cardiac function. The experiments will employ both a four-chamber isovolumic in situ heart preparation and an in vitro isolated atrial model. Using both electrical and pharmacological means of stimulating the ICN, we will attempt to answer the following biological questions: 1) Is ICN activity modulated by cardiac afferent nerves, either with or without the participation of the CNS? 2) Do the ventricles actually possess ICN cell bodies or are their responses to nicotinic stimulation mediated by postganglionic parasympathetic axons whose cell bodies lie in the atria? 3) What are the relative contributions of pre-junctional and post-junctional changes to the ICN supersensitivity which follows extrinsic surgical denervation of the heart? 4) Are responses of the ICN to nicotine mediated primarily by receptors on the axons or cell bodies? 5) What is the dysrhythmogenic potential of nicotine and how do the adrenergic and ICN components of its action contribute to it? Understanding the functional capabilities of the ICN and its mode of regulation will add to our general understanding of how this neural apparatus fits into the overall schema of neural control of the heart. In addition, this study will help to clarify the manner in which the ICN may influence the response of the transplanted heart to physiological and pharmacologic stimuli.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL018517-15
Application #
3335609
Study Section
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research A Study Section (CVA)
Project Start
1978-12-01
Project End
1992-03-31
Budget Start
1990-04-01
Budget End
1992-03-31
Support Year
15
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of New Mexico
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
829868723
City
Albuquerque
State
NM
Country
United States
Zip Code
87131
Priola, D V; Cao, X; Anagnostelis, C et al. (1998) Intrinsic neural regulation of the heart in the chronic, conscious dog. Am J Physiol 274:H2074-84
Priola, D V; Cao, X; Smith, D C (1994) Modulation of autonomic responses in normal and denervated isolated canine atria by substance P. Am J Physiol 266:H1401-7
Priola, D V; Cao, X (1993) Neuropeptide effects on cardiac reflexes in the conscious dog. Proc West Pharmacol Soc 36:77-80
Blomquist, T M; Priola, D V (1992) Tachyphylaxis of the intrinsic cardiac nerves to nicotine: effects on A-V nodal conduction. J Auton Pharmacol 12:51-9
Smith, D C; Priola, D V; Blomquist, T M (1992) Substance P modulates autonomic nerve activity in canine hearts. Am J Physiol 262:H1663-8
Priola, D V; Cao, X; Smith, D C (1992) Tachykinin induced inhibition of cardiac intrinsic nerves in isolated atria. Proc West Pharmacol Soc 35:11-6
Smith, D C; Priola, D V (1989) Enhanced acetylcholine release from denervated atria: intrinsic neural supersensitivity. Eur J Pharmacol 161:249-53
Blomquist, T M; Priola, D V; Weiss, G K et al. (1988) Catecholamine mediated actions of the veratrum alkaloids on the isovolumic canine heart. Proc West Pharmacol Soc 31:109-11
Priola, D V; Anagnostelis, C; Sanchez-Wilson, C et al. (1987) Atrioventricular responses of canine heart following chronic unilateral vagotomy. Am J Physiol 253:H394-401
Blomquist, T M; Priola, D V; Romero, A M (1987) Source of intrinsic innervation of canine ventricles: a functional study. Am J Physiol 252:H638-44

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