application) The control of the vascular system by the sympathetic nervous system depends on the organization of sympathetic neurons into function-specific pathways. The postganglionic sympathetic neuron plays a critical role in this organization. Characteristic morphological, neurochemical and electrophysiological features of these sympathetic neurons contribute to their specific functional pathways. Although it is known that sympathetic neurons in vascular pathways have distinct neurochemical characteristics, it is not known whether there are distinctions between neurons innervating arteries and veins. The functional separation between vascular resistance and capacitance is an important part of cardiovascular regulation.
Four specific aims are proposed: 1. Test the uniqueness of the localization and transmitter phenotype of the neurons in prevertebral ganglia that innervate mesenteric arteries and veins. 2. Test the uniqueness of the electrophysiological characteristics of the neurons in prevertebral ganglia that innervate mesenteric arteries and veins. 3. Characterize the source and effects of selected sensory neurotransmitters in prevertebral ganglia that are related to the target organ (artery or vein). 4. Compare the release of ATP from sympathetic nerves innervating mesenteric arteries and veins. Achieving the objectives will define the nervous mechanisms underlying the separate control of resistance and capacitance vessels. The splanchnic circulation receives 30% of the cardiac output and contains about one-third of the total blood volume. In essential hypertension, vascular capacitance is initially reduced and this is followed by changes in resistance. The studies outlined in this proposal will enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of this and related phenomena.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01HL059189-01
Application #
2441963
Study Section
Experimental Cardiovascular Sciences Study Section (ECS)
Project Start
1997-12-20
Project End
1998-11-30
Budget Start
1997-12-20
Budget End
1998-11-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
West Virginia University
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
191510239
City
Morgantown
State
WV
Country
United States
Zip Code
26506
Luo, Min; Hess, Margaret C; Fink, Gregory D et al. (2003) Differential alterations in sympathetic neurotransmission in mesenteric arteries and veins in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Auton Neurosci 104:47-57
Michalkiewicz, M; Michalkiewicz, T; Kreulen, D L et al. (2001) Increased blood pressure responses in neuropeptide Y transgenic rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 281:R417-26
Xian, M; Li, X; Tang, X et al. (2001) N-hydroxyl derivatives of guanidine based drugs as enzymatic NO donors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 11:2377-80
Browning, K N; Zheng, Z; Kreulen, D L et al. (1999) Two populations of sympathetic neurons project selectively to mesenteric artery or vein. Am J Physiol 276:H1263-72
Zheng, Z L; Travagli, R A; Kreulen, D L (1999) Patterns of innervation of sympathetic vascular neurons by peptide-containing primary sensory fibers. Brain Res 827:113-21
Browning, K N; Zheng, Z L; Kreulen, D L et al. (1998) Effects of nitric oxide in cultured prevertebral sympathetic ganglion neurons. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 286:1086-93