| First Author | Min S | Year | 2019 |
| Journal | Cell Rep | Volume | 29 |
| Issue | 8 | Pages | 2192-2201.e3 |
| PubMed ID | 31747594 | Mgi Jnum | J:298863 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:6489150 | Doi | 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.040 |
| Citation | Min S, et al. (2019) Arterial Baroreceptors Sense Blood Pressure through Decorated Aortic Claws. Cell Rep 29(8):2192-2201.e3 |
| abstractText | Mechanosensory neurons across physiological systems sense force using diverse terminal morphologies. Arterial baroreceptors are sensory neurons that monitor blood pressure for real-time stabilization of cardiovascular output. Various aortic sensory terminals have been described, but those that sense blood pressure are unclear because of a lack of selective genetic tools. Here, we find that all baroreceptor neurons are marked in Piezo2-ires-Cre mice and then use genetic approaches to visualize the architecture of mechanosensory endings. Cre-guided ablation of vagal and glossopharyngeal PIEZO2 neurons eliminates the baroreceptor reflex and aortic depressor nerve effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Genetic mapping reveals that PIEZO2 neurons form a distinctive mechanosensory structure: macroscopic claws that surround the aortic arch and exude fine end-net endings. Other arterial sensory neurons that form flower-spray terminals are dispensable for baroreception. Together, these findings provide structural insights into how blood pressure is sensed in the aortic vessel wall. |
