The heart operates not only under the control of the brain but also thanks to its own unique nervous system. A study on mice has shown how this internal network keeps the organ functioning steadily, even under intense stress. The discovery of two types of neurons challenges traditional views in cardiology and could pave the way for new treatment approaches. This information was reported by TechInsider.
Both the gut and the heart have independent nervous systems. While the gut contains hundreds of millions of neurons responsible for digestion, the heart’s nervous system—though smaller—plays a crucial role in filtering and adjusting signals coming from the central nervous system.
The heart’s nervous system, located in the fatty tissue surrounding the organ, has remained largely unexplored. Because neurons make up only 0.01% of cardiac tissue cells, studying their activity has been difficult. However, a team of neurobiologists led by Rui Chang managed to label these cells in laboratory mice, decode their genes, and map their locations. Their findings were published in the journal Cell.
During the experiment, two previously unknown types of neurons with distinct functions were identified. Npy+ neurons regulate the heart’s rhythm: stimulating them slows down contractions, while removing them leads to heart failure. “The key is to keep the heart functional, no matter what happens,” said Rui Chang, co-author of the study.
The second group of cells, Ddah1+ neurons, remained a mystery for a long time, as disabling them had no effect on the animals’ behavior. However, they become active under severe stress. Without these neurons, mice died even during routine blood pressure measurements. Stimulating these cells improved survival rates during emotional and physical strain.
These findings open up new possibilities for medicine, since similar gene markers have already been found in neurons of the human heart. In cardiology, catheter ablation is used to destroy abnormal areas in cases of arrhythmia, but this method remains insufficiently precise. A deeper understanding of the heart’s neural networks will make it possible to develop safer surgical procedures and new medications.
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