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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
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Quantifying Acute Changes in Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Response to Central Nervous System Manipulations in Anesthetized Rats
Published on: September 11, 2018
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Central and peripheral sympathetic activation in heart failure.
Guido Grassi1, Giuseppe Mancia2, Murray Esler3
1Clinica Medica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Pergolesi 33, 20052 Monza, Italy.
Cardiovascular Research
|July 9, 2021
Summary
Sympathetic nervous system overdrive is a key feature of heart failure. Understanding its complex mechanisms and impact on cardiovascular organs is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) overdrive is a long-recognized hallmark of heart failure (HF).
- Recent advancements in assessing human sympathetic neural function have enhanced our understanding of neuroadrenergic alterations in HF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the multifaceted aspects of neuroadrenergic alterations in heart failure.
- To explore the role of central nervous system, reflex mechanisms, and inflammation in sympathetic overdrive.
- To investigate the impact of sympathetic activation on cardiovascular organs and disease outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized refined methodologies to assess human sympathetic neural function.
- Analyzed regional sympathetic cardiovascular district participation.
- Examined the involvement of baroreflex, cardiopulmonary reflex, and chemoreflex mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Identified differential participation of regional sympathetic cardiovascular districts.
- Highlighted the role of central nervous system and reflex mechanisms in sympathetic overdrive.
- Demonstrated the link between sympathetic activation, inflammation, immune reactions, and disease severity.
- Showcased the adverse impact of sympathetic activation on brain, heart, and kidneys.
- Confirmed the influence of sympathetic activation on HF outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Sympathetic activation significantly impacts heart failure progression and outcomes.
- Therapeutic interventions targeting sympathetic activation, including renal denervation and carotid baroreflex stimulation, show promise.
- Further research is needed to address undefined aspects of neurogenic alterations and optimize therapeutic strategies.
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