Characterization of the sympathetic nervous systems regulating the visceral organs

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15211
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Yukiko Harima 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 生命機能科学研究センター, 基礎科学特別研究員 (20712946)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 交感神経 / 節前神経 / 臓器機能制御 / 消化器 / 副腎髄質

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The sympathetic nervous system controls various organs in the body. Previous research has often treated the sympathetic nervous system as a homogenous entity, disregarding its functional diversity. Recent single-cell transcriptomic analyses of the adult mouse spinal cord have identified 16 distinct subtypes of spinal sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs). However, the functional relationship between these genetically defined subtypes of SPNs and the regulation of specific organs remains unclear. In this project, we identified 2 distinct types of SPNs located in the lower thoracic spinal cord that exhibit different axonal projection targets, each possessing distinct organ functions. Thus, the findings of this study represent the first report demonstrating that specific sympathetic nerves control specific organ functions.

Free Research Field

自律神経

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、腹腔臓器機能を制御する交感神経について、異なる種類の交感神経節前神経が異なる臓器機能を制御することを見つけた。本研究の成果は、交感神経機能の特異的な制御技術に道を開き、将来的には脊髄損傷による臓器機能の低下を緩和する治療法に繋がることが期待される。