The human heart relies on complex neural networks to keep it functioning properly, but many details about these neural connections are still unknown. Now, a team of scientists understands the system by studying zebrafish (zebrafish), a small freshwater fish that is similar to human biology and is often used in research. Their research, published in the journal Nature Communications, provides new insights into how these nerves can help regulate heartbeat.
These cardiac nerves were extensively investigated by Dr. Caghan Kizil and Dr. Konstantinos Ampatzis from Columbia University and the Karolinska Institute. Using advanced genetic analysis, which examines DNA to understand the function of cells, as well as electrical recording techniques that measure cardiac nerve signal activity, they identified surprising nerve cells in the heart, including some functional cells similar to Pacemaker, that produce electricity Pulse to maintain a stable heart rhythm specialized cells. “Our findings suggest that there are more broad types of nerve cell in the heart than we previously thought,” the researchers said. Their study challenged the earlier belief that the heart’s nervous system transmits only signals, but rather shows that it is positive,” he said. helps to regulate the heartbeat.
Scientists identified different nerve cells, each of which released different chemical messengers, such as acetylcholine, a chemical that slows the heart rate. Glutamate, a key neurotransmitter used for neural signaling; GABA, helps regulate nervous system activity; serotonin, affects mood and body function; adrenaline is a hormone that increases during stress Heart rate. This shows that the heart’s nerves convey more than just information from the brain. They process information locally to fine-tune the heart function. “The various neural signals in the heart indicate that these cells are actively involved in cardiac control, not just along the instructions,” Dr. Kizil explained.
Their electrical records track neural activity to understand how signals control the heart, indicating that some of these nerve cells fire in rhythmic bursts, just like pacemaker cells in the heart, they set the heart. This suggests that the heart’s nerves not only respond to brain signals, but may actually help create the heart’s rhythm. This is similar to other neural networks, which are interconnected groups of neurons that coordinate movement and regulate rhythmic functions such as breathing and walking.
The discoveries of Dr. Kizil and Dr. Ampatzis are important outside of zebrafish. Because zebrafish have similar structure and function to human hearts, this study could help scientists understand how nerves in human hearts promote heart regulation. This could lead to new ways to treat heart disease associated with neurological dysfunction.
This study deepens our understanding of how the nervous system and the heart interact. It also opens the door to new ways to treat heart disease. As Dr. Ampatzis summarizes: “The detailed classification of cardiac nerve cells we provide here will be an invaluable resource for future research on cardiac function and heart disease-related diseases.”
Journal Reference
Pedroni A., Yilmaz E., Del Vecchio L., Bhattarai P., Talaya Vidal I., Dai Yw. E., Koutsogiannis K., Kizil C., Ampatzis K. “Decode molecular, cellular and functional heterogeneity in the nervous system within zebrafish.” Nature Communications, 2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54830-w
About the Author
Dr. Caghan Kizil He is a neuroscientist who specializes in brain regeneration and neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, his research is based at Columbia University, focusing on understanding how the brain repairs itself and how these mechanisms can be applied to human neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Using zebrafish as a model, he made a significant contribution to regenerative neuroscience and explored how nerve cells regenerate and function in response to damage.
Dr. Konstantinos Ampatzis He is a leading researcher in the field of neurobiology at the Karolinska Institutet. His work revolves around understanding how the nervous system controls movement and heart function. Through advanced genetic and electrophysiological techniques, he studied how nerve cells regulate motor function and cardiovascular processes. His research provides valuable insight into the role of neural circuits in cardiac rhythm and movement disorders.
Together, Dr. Kizil and Dr. Ampatzis Research on the complex relationship between the nervous system and the functions of important organs is being pioneered, opening up new possibilities for medical progress.
