Autonomic Neuroscience[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Insulin-mediated modulation of ion channels in peripheral sensory neurons: Potential implications for autonomic regulation.
Fukazawa A, Hori A, Smith SA … +2 more , Hotta N, Mizuno M
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41724014 · Publisher ↗
The dorsal root ganglion houses primary sensory neurons whose afferent fibers transmit peripheral information to the central nervous system. Sensory transduction relies on ion channels, including TRP channels, and ASICs,...
The dorsal root ganglion houses primary sensory neurons whose afferent fibers transmit peripheral information to the central nervous system. Sensory transduction relies on ion channels, including TRP channels, and ASICs, which convert various stimuli into neural signals. Ion channels expressed in primary sensory neurons, including those innervating skeletal muscle, play crucial roles not only in nociception but also in the regulation of cardiovascular reflexes. Insulin not only regulates systemic glucose homeostasis but also modulates ion channel sensitivity in sensory neurons through PI3K-PKC signaling. Therefore, this review outlines current evidence on insulin-mediated modulation of sensory ion channels and explores its implications for the pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy and the abnormal exercise pressor reflex function observed in early-stage type 2 diabetes.
Anatomical reappraisal of the relationship between vagal preganglionic motor neurons and the spleen in the male mouse.
Khan A, Tinajero A, Moresco JJ … +2 more , Yang J, Gautron L
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41724013 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The direct innervation of the spleen by the vagus nerve has been a subject of ongoing controversy for many years. Specifically, studies in laboratory rodents disagree as to whether vagal preganglionic motor...
INTRODUCTION: The direct innervation of the spleen by the vagus nerve has been a subject of ongoing controversy for many years. Specifically, studies in laboratory rodents disagree as to whether vagal preganglionic motor neurons are directly connected to the spleen. METHODS: Employing several orthogonal anatomical approaches in the mouse, we reassessed the anatomical relationship between vagal preganglionic motor neurons and the spleen. RESULTS: First, using the Phox2b-Cre-Tomato mouse model, which allows for the permanent labeling of all vagal preganglionic motor neurons, vagal afferent neurons, and subsets of sympathetic neurons, we observed Tomato-positive axons within the spleen. A combination of double-immunohistochemistry and nerve cut studies revealed that intrasplenic Tomato-positive axons were of sympathetic rather than vagal origin. Second, anterograde tracing with AAV-GFP-labeled vagal preganglionic motor neurons revealed no direct innervation to the spleen. Third, through immunohistochemistry and quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics, the mouse spleen was found to be devoid of cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcripts, a neuropeptide of vagal origin. Fourth, retrograde tracing with intrasplenic FluoroGold did not label specifically vagal preganglionic motor neurons after intrasplenic administration in the mouse. Instead, we showed it is possible to map neurons connected to the spleen by examining the expression of Activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3) mRNA, a marker of axotomy, after splenectomy. Atf3 was induced in a subset of celiac ganglion neurons, but not in vagal preganglionic motor neurons after splenectomy. CONCLUSION: Our anatomical findings reaffirm that vagal preganglionic motor neurons do not innervate the spleen to a significant degree in the laboratory mouse.
Advances in the study of Parkinson's disease-related salivation and associated mechanisms.
Han B, Wang L, Cui Y … +9 more , Wang S, Zhao W, Wang S, Ma X, Xu X, Ma J, Zhu Y, Du Y, Tuo H
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41722307 · Publisher ↗
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, rigidity, and resting tremor. PD is also accompanied by numerous non-motor symptoms, including s...
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, rigidity, and resting tremor. PD is also accompanied by numerous non-motor symptoms, including sensory abnormalities, behavioral changes, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction such as orthostatic hypotension, bladder dysfunction and gastrointestinal dysfunction (including drooling, dysphagia and constipation). Drooling is one of the most common symptoms, negatively impacting oral health. It significantly affects physical well-being, psychological well-being, and quality of life for patients and their caregivers. This review aims to explore the mechanisms underlying drooling in PD, including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and contributing factors. It also seeks to raise awareness and summarize current treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Deceleration capacity as a predictor of vasovagal syncope subtypes.
Chen A, Tu B, Lai Z … +4 more , Maimaitijiang P, Wang X, Zheng L, Yao Y
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41719723 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Autonomic function may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vasovagal syncope (VVS). However, the characteristics of autonomic function across different VVS subtypes remain unclear. Deceleration capacit...
BACKGROUND: Autonomic function may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vasovagal syncope (VVS). However, the characteristics of autonomic function across different VVS subtypes remain unclear. Deceleration capacity (DC), a novel vagal indicator, may offer improved discriminatory value. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of DC to distinguish between different subtypes of VVS. METHODS: Patients with VVS confirmed by a positive head-up tilt test were included. All heart rate variability (HRV) and DC data were obtained from 24-h Holter monitoring and analyzed among different subtypes using ANOVA, logistic regression, and ROC analyses. A DC-based subtype prediction model was further developed. RESULTS: Among 141 patients (40 ± 18 years; 54 males), 36 (25.5%) had cardioinhibitory VVS, 20 (14.2%) vasodepressor, and 85 (60.3%) mixed type. Significant differences across subtypes were observed in minimum HR, maximum HR, SDNN, VLF, LF/HF and DC (all p < 0.05). Among these parameters, DC showed the strongest discriminatory ability in differentiating patients with cardioinhibitory responses (cardioinhibitory and mixed types) from those without (vasodepressor type), outperforming traditional HRV indices (p < 0.05). A predictive model based on daytime DC achieved an AUC of 0.811 (95% CI: 0.731-0.89). Each 1-ms increase in daytime DC was associated with a 33.3% higher odds of a cardioinhibitory response. CONCLUSION: Baseline autonomic function varies among VVS subtypes and vagal indicators like DC might help predict patient subtypes.
Spontaneous HRV fluctuations are linked to functional changes in resting state brain activation in younger and older adults.
Rominger C, Koschutnig K, Fink A … +1 more , Schwerdtfeger AR
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41671693 · Publisher ↗
The vagus nerve connects the brain and the heart, allowing communication between the body and the mind. Studies have strengthened the meaning of the brain to control heart rate variability (HRV), however, brain research...
The vagus nerve connects the brain and the heart, allowing communication between the body and the mind. Studies have strengthened the meaning of the brain to control heart rate variability (HRV), however, brain research has largely overlooked the effects of age on the association between phasic changes in HRV and resting state functional brain connectivity. To close this gap, we studied a large open data set of 69 old and 134 young participants with two consecutive fMRI resting state scans in combination with the corresponding physiological HRV data assessed via photoplethysmography (PPG). We quantified spontaneous HRV changes from one resting state to the other and studied the unique information about the relationship between changes in functional coupling between brain areas and spontaneous HRV changes. Using a fc-MVPA, we identified functional brain coupling patterns associated with changes in HRV within brain networks, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the cerebellum, the brainstem, and the temporal lobe. These patterns were not significantly different between the two age groups - indicating age invariance of brain heart communication. Post hoc seed-to-voxel analyses indicated a stronger functional coupling of these identified clusters with brain regions such as the insula, the opercular cortex, the superior frontal gyrus, and the cerebellum when HRV increased. This pattern of findings is in accordance with prominent theories and provides further insights into the neural mechanisms underlying brain-heart communication.
Heart rate variability as a non-invasive biomarker of autonomic dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Maidi AZM, Suram RP, Deniz Y … +2 more , An SL, Hong Y
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41666800 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed heart rate variability (HRV) alterations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients compared to healthy control groups using both frequency-domain and time-domain HRV parameters. METHO...
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed heart rate variability (HRV) alterations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients compared to healthy control groups using both frequency-domain and time-domain HRV parameters. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using studies retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to November 13, 2024. Fourteen studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and eight in the quantitative analysis. RESULTS: ALS patients exhibited significantly reduced Low Frequency (LF) and High Frequency (HF) HRV parameters compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). Time-domain parameters also showed significant reductions: RMSSD (p < 0.001), SDNN (p < 0.001), and pNN50% (p = 0.01). Despite an overall decrease in HRV, the LF/HF ratio did not show a statistically significant difference (p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: Patients with ALS demonstrate autonomic dysfunction, evidenced by significant reductions in key time-domain (RMSSD, SDNN, pNN50%) and frequency-domain (LF, HF) parameters, suggesting impaired parasympathetic modulation. HRV may serve as a valuable, non-invasive biomarker for the early detection and management of cardiorespiratory complications in ALS.
Association of FIB-4 with orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease.
Zhou W, Zeng T, Liu D … +2 more , Pang R, Gong L
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41666799 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common complication in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between liver fibrosis, ind...
BACKGROUND: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common complication in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. Recent evidence suggests a potential link between liver fibrosis, indicated by the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, and autonomic dysfunction. However, its relationship with OH in PD remains unexplored. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 1268 PD patients. The FIB-4 index was calculated based on age, AST, ALT, and platelet count. The association between FIB-4 and OH was assessed using multivariate logistic regression, with further curve fitting and subgroup analyses to test robustness. RESULTS: The FIB-4 index was significantly associated with OH. For each 0.2-unit increase in FIB-4, the odds ratio (OR) for OH was 1.11 (95% CI: 1.05-1.17, p < 0.001). Tertile analysis showed ORs of 2.05 (95% CI: 1.27-3.31, p = 0.003) for T2 and 2.61 (95% CI: 1.64-4.17, p < 0.001) for T3, compared to T1. Curve fitting indicated a linear relationship, with no evidence of non-linearity. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses confirmed robustness. CONCLUSIONS: Higher FIB-4 index values are independently associated with an increased risk of OH in PD patients, suggesting that liver fibrosis may contribute to OH development. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Effects of immediate sacral neuromodulation on bladder in rats with spinal cord hemisection-induced neurogenic bladder.
Li Z, Zhu Q, Zhang Y … +8 more , Zhu W, Lv L, Zhang Y, Wang C, Zeng Y, Xu S, Wen J, Wang Q
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41643240 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To establish a novel spinal cord hemisection-induced neurogenic bladder (SCHNB) rat model combined with sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and evaluate the immediate effects of SNM on bladder function and morpholog...
OBJECTIVES: To establish a novel spinal cord hemisection-induced neurogenic bladder (SCHNB) rat model combined with sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and evaluate the immediate effects of SNM on bladder function and morphology in SCHNB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, SCHNB, and SCHNB + SNM groups. Rats in control group underwent only T9-T10 laminectomy, SCHNB group received right T9-T10 spinal cord hemisection and electrode implantation without electrical stimulation, SCHNB + SNM group underwent the same procedure as SCHNB group but also received daily 3-hours SNM beginning on postoperative day 1 for 3 weeks. All rats subsequently underwent motor function assessment, bladder ultrasonography and cystography, cystometric testing, and histological analysis of spinal cord and bladder tissues. RESULTS: Ultrasonography revealed significantly increased post void residual in SCHNB group compared to control and SCHNB + SNM groups. Bladder weight in SCHNB group was significantly higher than in control and SCHNB + SNM groups. Cystometric analysis showed a shorter voiding contraction interval in SCHNB + SNM group than control group but longer than SCHNB group. During bladder filling, SCHNB group exhibited multiple uninhibited detrusor contractions, SCHNB + SNM group showed fewer uninhibited contractions and a lower maximum pressure. Histological examination revealed that compared to control and SCHNB + SNM groups, SCHNB group displayed disorganized bladder mucosal epithelium, disrupted and loosened lamina propria, tissue edema, and increased fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: This model of SCHNB combined with SNM provides a new experimental platform for SNM research. Immediate SNM effectively inhibited bladder overactivity and partially improved functional and structural abnormalities of the bladder.
Interventional antihypertensive therapies targeting the sympathetic nervous system.
Jordan J
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41638954 · Publisher ↗
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Sympathetic transduction to blood pressure following three days in hypobaric hypoxia: Influence of nocturnal periodic breathing.
Fisher JP, Roche J, Duffy AG … +9 more , Ibrahim A, Turner R, Vinetti G, Cesari M, Furian M, Stefani A, Gatterer H, Högl B, Siebenmann C
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41564707 · Publisher ↗
We investigated whether three days of hypoxic exposure in a hypobaric chamber, and the associated nocturnal periodic breathing (nPB), reduce sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) transduction to blood pressure (BP). While hy...
We investigated whether three days of hypoxic exposure in a hypobaric chamber, and the associated nocturnal periodic breathing (nPB), reduce sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) transduction to blood pressure (BP). While hypoxia did not affect MSNA transduction to BP, larger drops in BP occurred following cardiac cycles without sympathetic bursts, suggesting increased reliance on sympathetic vasoconstrictor support for beat-to-beat BP. Prevention of nPB by inspiratory carbon dioxide administration did not affect MSNA transduction to BP in hypoxia.
From lab to life: Wearables, real-world data, and the future of autonomic research.
Rimok J, Larkin-Kaiser KA
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Apr · PMID 41518681 · Publisher ↗
Traditional methods for assessing autonomic nervous system (ANS) function are constrained by conventional clinical settings, limited timeframes, and exclusionary protocols. These limitations prevent the accurate capture...
Traditional methods for assessing autonomic nervous system (ANS) function are constrained by conventional clinical settings, limited timeframes, and exclusionary protocols. These limitations prevent the accurate capture of dynamic physiological fluctuations, particularly in underserved populations and those with complex or rare autonomic disorders. This paper outlines how wearable technologies and mobile health (mHealth) platforms are redefining the landscape of ANS research. By enabling continuous, real-world monitoring and integrating multimodal data, including comprehensive physiological and behavioral signals, patient-reported outcomes, these tools offer unprecedented opportunities for personalization, decentralized and pragmatic clinical trial designs, and enable early detection and intervention. We examine the evolution of wearable sensors, the role of artificial intelligence in translating raw data into clinically actionable insights, and the economic and equity implications of digital-first research. With regulatory momentum growing and real-world evidence gaining traction, the convergence of wearable technology and autonomic science signals not just a methodological shift, but a fundamental redefinition of how, where, and for whom clinical science is conducted.
Wearable ANS monitoring in real life: A critical review of context-sensitive interpretation and implications for psychophysiology.
Norman GJ, Morgan E, Raja S … +1 more , Berntson GG
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Feb · PMID 41506124 · Publisher ↗
Wearable autonomic sensors are rapidly expanding the reach of psychophysiological research into real-world environments. These tools hold clear promise for advancing our understanding of how autonomic nervous system (ANS...
Wearable autonomic sensors are rapidly expanding the reach of psychophysiological research into real-world environments. These tools hold clear promise for advancing our understanding of how autonomic nervous system (ANS) function relates to emotion, stress, health, and disease. However, interpreting wearable ANS signals outside the laboratory presents unique conceptual and methodological challenges. In this critical review, we outline the theoretical foundations of ANS flexibility and context-sensitivity, summarize the technical capabilities and limitations of current wearable ANS devices, and highlight the critical role of contextual information-ranging from behavioral state to social environment-in shaping the meaning of ambulatory physiological data. We emphasize that ANS signals cannot be meaningfully interpreted in isolation and that understanding their relevance for health and behavior depends on careful consideration of both physiological and situational context. Finally, we discuss key challenges and future directions for wearable ANS monitoring, including improving signal quality, advancing data interpretation through context-aware modeling, and addressing privacy and ethical concerns. Together, these efforts are essential for realizing the potential of wearable ANS sensors to support both scientific discovery and clinical application.
Neuromodulation of heart rate variability: A systematic review.
Souza R, Souza IC, Andrade SMMDS … +1 more , Ferreira MRP
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Feb · PMID 41506123 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Non-invasive neuromodulation methods, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial...
BACKGROUND: Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Non-invasive neuromodulation methods, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), have been used to modulate the ANS. However, their comparative efficacy and optimal protocols remain uncertain due to study heterogeneity. This study aimed to verify the level of evidence for the effect of these neuromodulation methods on heart rate variability (HRV) and sympathovagal balance. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. Databases including Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase were searched up to October 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared tDCS, TMS, or tVNS against control or sham conditions in humans, with HRV variables as an outcome, were included. RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs were included: 5 used tDCS, 6 used tVNS, and 2 used TMS. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the neuromodulation protocols. The meta-analysis found no statistically significant effects of tDCS on frequency-domain variables. Similarly, tVNS showed no significant effect on frequency- or time-domain variables. The quality of evidence for the main outcomes was rated as moderate for both tDCS and tVNS. CONCLUSION: The current evidence on the effects of tDCS, TMS, and tVNS on HRV is limited and heterogeneous. These findings reinforce the need for methodological standardization in stimulation protocols and for studies with larger sample sizes to provide more robust clinical findings.
The orthostatic tolerance of service personnel of the Household Division of the British Army.
Parsons I, Stacey M, Gall N … +1 more , Woods D
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Feb · PMID 41499864 · Publisher ↗
Reflex syncope is common among UK Armed Forces (UKAF) personnel in the Household Division, particularly during ceremonial duties involving prolonged orthostatic stress. This study aimed to (1) assess orthostatic toleranc...
Reflex syncope is common among UK Armed Forces (UKAF) personnel in the Household Division, particularly during ceremonial duties involving prolonged orthostatic stress. This study aimed to (1) assess orthostatic tolerance (OT) using head-up tilt combined with lower body negative pressure (HUT/LBNP), (2) evaluate the retrospective diagnostic accuracy of HUT/LBNP based on syncope trigger, and (3) examine test repeatability. Seventy-three service personnel were categorized into ORTHOSTATIC (27 %), NON-ORTHOSTATIC (16 %), or CONTROL (56 %) groups based on prior syncopal history. OT was measured to presyncope using a standardized HUT/LBNP protocol with continuous cardiovascular monitoring. Repeatability was assessed in a subset of 17 participants one week apart. Mean OT across participants was 32 ± 12 min. The ability of HUT/LBNP-derived OT to identify prior reflex syncope yielded an AUC of 0.75 (p = 0.0003), improving to 0.85 (p < 0.0001) in the ORTHOSTATIC group but was non-significant in NON-ORTHOSTATIC participants (p = 0.44). HUT/LBNP demonstrated high repeatability (bias: 1.1 ± 4.2 min; 3 ± 11 %). UKAF personnel with orthostatic-mediated syncope had significantly lower OT compared to both non-fainters and those with non-orthostatic syncope. HUT/LBNP is a reproducible tool that can discriminate between syncope subtypes and may be useful in monitoring intervention efficacy and guiding management in high-risk occupational settings.
Characterisation of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Findings from a physician chart-audit pre- and post-COVID-19.
van Middendorp JJ, Orlovic M, De Ruyck F … +7 more , Roset M, Torres M, Cuadras D, Garcia-Alamino JM, Raj SR, Taub PR, Fedorowski A
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Feb · PMID 41483737 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a complex disorder with challenging diagnosis and management. METHODS: This cross-sectional, multi-national, web-based physician chart audit described cli...
INTRODUCTION: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a complex disorder with challenging diagnosis and management. METHODS: This cross-sectional, multi-national, web-based physician chart audit described clinical features and management of POTS, offering insights into disease burden and outcomes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Physicians (n = 153), primarily cardiologists (77.1 %), reported data from 599 patients from two cohorts: 1) POTS not triggered by COVID-19 (n = 361) and 2) POTS triggered by COVID-19 (n = 238). Overall, most patients experienced POTS symptoms onset between the ages of 18 and 39 years (33 %), with 13 % presenting symptom onset before 18 years of age. Over 70 % had at least one pre-existing medical condition. Most patients underwent 5-8 tests to define POTS diagnosis. Around 80 % received incorrect diagnoses before POTS confirmation, and 25 % waited over a year for diagnosis. Although some patients showed reduction in symptom severity over time, symptoms were still persistent at last consultation. Non-pharmacological interventions were common in the first treatment line. In subsequent lines, there was an increase in pharmacological treatments, with beta-blockers and ivabradine being the most frequently prescribed medications. Comparative analysis between pre- and post-COVID-19 POTS showed that while POTS patients triggered by COVID-19 were somewhat older and had fewer comorbidities, differences were not clinically meaningful, suggesting similar diagnostic, management and treatment patterns. Regional differences in diagnoses and treatment patterns were observed between US and Europe. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the challenges faced by POTS patients, while providing insights into the diagnostic and treatment approaches in real-world settings.
Antioxidant tempol reverses autonomic dysregulation and neurogenic hypertension in acid-sensing ion channel 2 deficient mice.
Sabharwal R, Abboud FM, Chapleau MW
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Feb · PMID 41456535 · Full text
Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 2 (ASIC2) has been implicated in mechanosensation. We reported previously that ASIC2 is highly expressed in aortic baroreceptor neurons and contributes to baroreceptor mechanotransduction; and th...
Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 2 (ASIC2) has been implicated in mechanosensation. We reported previously that ASIC2 is highly expressed in aortic baroreceptor neurons and contributes to baroreceptor mechanotransduction; and that ASIC2 deficient mice exhibit decreased baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), sympathovagal imbalance and neurogenic hypertension. Oxidative stress is widely considered an important contributor to hypertension. The major goal of this study was to determine if treatment of ASIC2 mice with the antioxidant tempol attenuates baroreflex/autonomic dysfunction and hypertension. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and locomotor activity were measured by telemetry in conscious, control C57BL/6 and ASIC2 male mice, before and after administration of tempol in drinking water (1 mM) for two weeks. Cardiac sympathetic tone, mean arterial BP and BP variability were higher, and cardiac vagal tone and BRS were lower in ASIC2 mice, compared with controls (P < 0.05). Oxidative stress measured by mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (Nox2, Nox4, p22phox) and dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence was increased significantly (P < 0.05) in ASIC2 mice in a tissue-specific manner (sympathetic and nodose ganglia > > brain stem > > skeletal muscle, with no change in aorta). Treatment with tempol strongly attenuated DHE fluorescence and restored autonomic regulation and BP to control levels in ASIC2 mice, while not affecting these phenotypes in control mice. We conclude: (1) oxidative stress in ASIC2 mice is prominent in the autonomic nervous system but not present in aorta; and (2) the antioxidant tempol reverses decreased BRS, sympathovagal imbalance and hypertension in ASIC2 mice; effects that are associated with decreased oxidative stress.
Neuroendocrine, behavioral, cardiovascular and autonomic responses to acute and repeated restraint stress in male rats.
Busnardo C, Barreto-de-Souza L, Omena-Giatti L … +4 more , Brasil TFS, Vilela-Costa HH, Corrêa FMA, Crestani CC
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Feb · PMID 41435794 · Publisher ↗
Biological systems seem to be differently affected by stress, resulting in expression of both adaptative and maladaptive responses. The present study aimed to compare the neuroendocrine (plasma corticosterone), behaviora...
Biological systems seem to be differently affected by stress, resulting in expression of both adaptative and maladaptive responses. The present study aimed to compare the neuroendocrine (plasma corticosterone), behavioral (anxiogenic- and depressive-like effects), cardiovascular (blood pressure and heart rate) and autonomic (tail skin temperature and frequency-domain analysis of blood pressure and pulse interval variabilities) responses observed during an acute (single 2 h session) versus the 21st [2 h/day for 21 consecutive days) restraint stress session. We found that acute restraint stress reduced exploration of elevated plus maze (EPM) open arms, tail skin temperature and cardiac parasympathetic tonus; along with increased plasma corticosterone levels, blood pressure, heart rate and sympathetic modulation of both blood pressure and pulse interval. Repeated exposure to restraint completely inhibited or decreased the pressor, tachycardiac and sympathetic/parasympathetic responses; indicating habituation of autonomic and cardiovascular responses. Chronically stressed animals also had enhanced immobility in the forced swimming test and decreased grooming time in the splash test and exploration of EPM open arms, indicating anxiogenic- and depressive-like effects. Furthermore, chronic restraint stress elevated basal plasma corticosterone and tail skin temperature response. In summary, analysis of extensive set of physiological and behavioral responses to a chronic homotypic stressor indicates expression of adaptative adjustments evidenced mainly as habituation of the autonomic/cardiovascular changes. Nevertheless, maladaptive changes such as anxiogenic- and depressive-like effects and increased basal corticosterone were also observed.
Differences in muscle sympathetic nerve activity between patients with orthostatic hypertension and those with orthostatic normotensive hypertension.
Hirai T, Murai H, Sugimoto H … +8 more , Mukai Y, Tokuhisa H, Ikeda T, Kobayashi D, Takata S, Sakata K, Usui S, Takamura M
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Feb · PMID 41353946 · Publisher ↗
Orthostatic hypertension (OrthoHT), an excessive pressor response to standing, increases cardiovascular risk; however, its relationship with sympathetic nerve activity is poorly understood. This study aimed to assess dif...
Orthostatic hypertension (OrthoHT), an excessive pressor response to standing, increases cardiovascular risk; however, its relationship with sympathetic nerve activity is poorly understood. This study aimed to assess differences in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) between patients with OrthoHT and those with orthostatic normotensive hypertension. We measured resting MSNA in seven patients with OrthoHT and 11 matched controls. The OrthoHT group exhibited significantly elevated MSNA burst frequency (38.4 ± 12.2 vs. 28.3 ± 5.7 bursts/min, P < 0.05) and burst incidence (61.1 ± 21.3 vs. 44.6 ± 11.1 bursts/100 heartbeats, P < 0.05). In conclusion, OrthoHT is strongly associated with sympathetic hyperactivity at rest, suggesting that this may be a key physiological mechanism contributing to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in these patients.
Selective sympathetic action on heart rate variability after ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block.
Keim OC, Raum RC, Feldmann RE … +2 more , Kleinboehl D, Benrath J
Auton Neurosci · 2026 Feb · PMID 41352043 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Stellate ganglion block (SGB) blocks the sympathetic branch of the autonomous nervous system, but its specific effects on heart rate variability (HRV) remain widely unidentified in detail. Additionally, under...
OBJECTIVE: Stellate ganglion block (SGB) blocks the sympathetic branch of the autonomous nervous system, but its specific effects on heart rate variability (HRV) remain widely unidentified in detail. Additionally, under anatomically perspective the vagus nerve is adjacent located to the stellate ganglion. Therefore, the vagus nerve may be affected by a SGB as well. This study aimed at assessing the possibility of selectively blocking efferent sympathetic fibers to the heart and upper extremity via an ultrasound-guided SGB technique. METHODS: In a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial based on a within-subject design, twelve healthy male volunteers received a right-sided ultrasound-guided SGB (usSGB) with 3 ml ropivacaine 1 % (verum) or saline 0.9 % solution (placebo), respectively. HRV was assessed during a pre- and post-intervention section. RESULTS: No significant changes were detected in time domain-based HRV indices before and after the usSGB between verum and placebo. However, significant differences between both were found in the low frequency/high frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio) before and after the procedure. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that usSGB renders HRV changes indicating selective sympathetic inhibition of the heart without affecting vagal tone.
Psychosocial profiles of autonomic dysfunction.
Frye WS, Ward S, Mauriello D … +2 more , Mitchell B, Decker J
Auton Neurosci · 2025 Dec · PMID 41297354 · Publisher ↗
Forms of dysautonomia, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), significantly impacts youth, yet psychosocial aspects remain under-researched, particularly outside of patients diagnosed with POTS. This...
Forms of dysautonomia, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), significantly impacts youth, yet psychosocial aspects remain under-researched, particularly outside of patients diagnosed with POTS. This study examines the clinical and psychosocial profiles of youth with autonomic dysfunction and compares findings between groups with different heart rate (HR) responses to orthostatic testing. This retrospective review analyzed demographics, symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and mental health variables (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD) in youth with autonomic dysfunction. Differences between higher and lower HR response groups were compared. QoL was assessed using the PedsQL™ and symptom severity was measured with the Malmö POTS Symptom Score (MAPS). Medical history and psychosocial concerns were extracted from electronic medical records. Symptom severity scores exceeded clinical cutoffs for the full sample (65.8) and across HR groups. Independent t-tests showed no differences between groups for any variable. Pain (92.5 %) and impaired eating (42.5 %) were prevalent across the sample. QoL was clinically impaired in all domains, and mental health concerns, such as anxiety (83.3 %) and depression (54.3 %), were common. Findings describe the pervasive symptom and psychosocial burden in youth with autonomic dysfunction, which was consistent across higher and lower HR response groups. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing medical, mental health, and daily life challenges in all patients seen for autonomic dysfunction. Additionally, it highlights the importance of expanding research and clinical focus to include all youth with autonomic dysfunction, regardless of HR response to ensure youth who are experiencing impairment obtain the comprehensive care they need.
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