Neuroanatomical mapping and functional assessment of the excitatory projections to the rostral ventrolateral medulla activated during acute systemic inflammation

• Grant number: 24/14078-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Pedro Lourenço Katayama
• Grantee: Evelyn Igreja Ferreira Leão
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/07741-8 - Exploring the mechanisms and consequences of autonomic dysfunction in autoimmune diseases: an integrative approach, AP.JP

Abstract

Emerging evidence indicates that inflammatory mediators produced by immune cells can significantly influence the function of neuronal circuits governing the autonomic nervous system. Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of this system, in turn, have the capacity to affect immune cell activity. Notably, sympathetic premotor neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) are implicated in various inflammation models, suggesting they play a role in modulating immune responses. However, the specific excitatory projections that activate RVLM neurons during inflammation remain poorly understood. In this project, we aim to utilize the Cre-Lox system, neural tracers, and molecular tools to map both the neuroanatomical and functional aspects of excitatory projections to the RVLM activated during acute systemic inflammation. Our goal is to enhance understanding of the neural circuits engaged during systemic inflammation and to elucidate the functional significance of these pathways.