- Prior work by others suggests that renal nerves arise from several neuron subpopulations in sympathetic ganglia, likely with varying functions. It is possible that these specific subpopulations of neurons, as well as the CNS circuits that innervate them selectively control tubular transport, RPF/GFR or renin release. This project aims to create the tools to define the individual subpopulations of brainstem neurons which innervate the preganglionic T8/12 IML neurons that control sympathetic postganglionic neurons important for renal function.
- Neurons originating from the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) and other hypothalamic nuclei, the medullary raphe pallidus, as well as the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the A5 cell group in the pons project to the intermediolateral column (IML) at the T8 – T12 spinal cord, where nearly all renal sympathetic preganglionic fibers originate.
- Combined, PVH, RVLM and A5 neurons provide the vast majority of brain input to T8/12 IML, and the proposed studies will focus on neuron subpopulations in these brain areas. Although neurons from these regions play a prominent role in renal sympathetic innervation, they also initiate sympathetic activity to many organs other than the kidney. We must therefore identify and target specifically those PVH, RVLM and A5 neurons which control renal function.
