The role of the autonomic nervous system in regulating the mammalian circulation is being investigated at the whole-animal level in in vivo experiments, and at the level of individual neurons in in vitro experiments. Intraganglionic neurotransmission involves peptidergic, aminergic, peptidergic and purinergic neurotransmitters as well as acetylcholine. The role of these neurotransmitters in neural control of the heart is under investigation. We are characterizing the physiological, morphological and pharmacological properties of intracardiac neurons, using both in vivo intracellular techniques in studies of neural preparations from mammalian hearts. Peptidergic modulation of canine intrinsic cardiac neurons.
Amino acids modify the activity of canine intrinsic cardiac neurons involved in cardiac regulation.
Modulation of intrinsic cardiac neuronal activity by nitric oxide donors induces cardiodynamic changes. Smith, F. M. 1999 Extrinsic inputs to intrinsic neurons of the porcine heart in vitro Am. Leger, J., Croll, R. P. and Smith, F. M. 1999 Regional distribution of extrinsic innervation of intrinsic cardiac neurons in the guinea pig.