Activation of the sympathetic nervous system by CRF neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus: functional analysis of the cerebrospinal pathway

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K17998
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 54040:Metabolism and endocrinology-related
• Research Institution: Hirosaki University (2020-2021); Tohoku University (2019)
• Principal Investigator: Murasawa Shingo 弘前大学, 医学研究科, 助教 (70829390)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: CRFニューロン / 視床下部 / 交感神経

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The present study confirmed that CRF neurons project directly primary to the spinal cord by injecting Cre-dependent GFP-expressing viral vectors into CRF gene-specific Cre-expressing mice. In the spinal cord, a cluster of nerve fibers was observed from the dorsolateral fasciculus to the lateral funiculus. In addition, some CRF neurons were in close proximity to nNOS-positive cells, suggesting that CRF neurons project directly to the sympathetic ganglia.

Free Research Field

神経内分泌

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

CRFニューロンと交感神経の関係を明らかにすることで、ストレス性の高血圧や自律神経失調症などのメカニズムを明らかとすることができる。今回の研究で、CRFニューロンと交感神経の直接的な神経路を同定することができ、上記のような疾患のメカニズム解明に寄与すると考えられる。