Reward system activation improves recovery from acute myocardial infarction

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Psychological factors significantly influence recovery from acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
• The specific brain mechanisms underlying these psychological effects on cardiac recovery remain unclear.
• The brain's reward system, linked to motivation and positive expectations, is a potential mediator.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of the reward system in cardiac recovery after AMI.
• To elucidate the neuro-physiological mechanisms connecting the reward system to cardiac outcomes.
• To explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting the brain-reward pathway for AMI recovery.

Main Methods:

• Utilized chemogenetics to activate dopaminergic neurons in the reward system of mice post-AMI.
• Assessed cardiac performance, remodeling, and vascularization.
• Analyzed immune activity, adrenergic signaling to the liver, and gene expression (complement component 3).

Main Results:

• Activation of the reward system significantly improved cardiac remodeling and vascularization after AMI.
• Enhanced cardiac performance was observed in treated mice compared to controls.
• Key mechanisms included altered immune responses, reduced liver adrenergic input, and changes in liver gene transcription.

Conclusions:

• The brain's reward system causally influences recovery from AMI in mice.
• A functional brain-liver connection, involving complement component 3, mediates these effects.
• Targeting the reward system presents a novel therapeutic strategy for improving post-AMI outcomes.