Scientists discover a surprising ‘brain’ hidden inside the heart: Made up of neurons, it controls the heartbeat and protects the organ during stressful situations.

a heart control center

The gut is often called the ‘second brain’ for housing an extensive network of neurons associated with digestion and hormone production. But what has remained unknown till now is that the heart has its own nervous system, although a very small one. This network represents the final stage of a complex neural circuit responsible for controlling cardiac activity.To investigate this network, scientists used genetically modified mice. Neurons of the intrinsic cardiovascular system were characterized and subjected to genetic sequencing. The analysis revealed two main subtypes of nerve cells: NPY+ neurons and DDAH1+ neurons.Each group presented a different role in heart function and protection. The experiment revealed that these neurons not only act as transmitters of signals sent by the brain, but also process information locally and help define how the heart should respond to different situations.As the study noted, little was known about the functioning of these cells and their importance for heart health. Now, new research has helped to clarify how different groups of neurons directly interfere with heartbeat and heart protection.

Npy+ neurons control heart rate

Initial tests showed that Npy+ neurons play an important role in controlling heartbeats. Stimulation of these cells reduced the heart rate of the analyzed animals. However, the elimination of neurons had serious consequences. After removal of this cell cluster the mice developed heart failure and died.According to the authors, the results suggest that Npy+ neurons help slow the heart when it beats too fast. Their presence also proved indispensable for maintaining the normal activity of the organ.

See also

World News

Will Michelle Obama replace Joe Biden? US senator’s bold prediction

Ddah1+ neurons protect the heart from stress

These neurons displayed different behavior during initial experiments. Activation or removal of these cells did not cause any significant changes in the animals’ bodies. This initial absence of effects led researchers to believe that the group task would be limited. However, an unexpected observation completely changed this interpretation. During a routine procedure of measuring blood pressure, a student noticed that a rat without these neurons died after the test. The same results were also seen in other genetically modified animals.The recurrence of deaths prompted the team to investigate the possible connection between Ddai1+ neurons and stress. The experiments exposed animals to various conditions of physical and physiological stress. Without this group of neurons most rats could not cope with the stimuli.The results indicated that the absence of the cells makes the heart more vulnerable during moments of stress. Under normal conditions, Ddai1+ neurons have little effect on heartbeats. But their function becomes decisive when the organism encounters situations that require a more rapid cardiovascular response.

Opens doors to study on the human heart

According to the study authors, the same neuron subtypes identified in mice were also found in humans. However, functional experiments were performed only in animals. New research will be needed to specify whether NPY+ and DDAH1+ neurons perform similar functions in the human heart. Confirmation of this may expand the understanding of heart rate control and cardiovascular protection during stress.This study showed that the heart not only depends on commands sent by the brain to control its activity, but also has its own network that is able to interpret the signals and adjust the heartbeat according to the needs of the organism.