Ganglionic GFAP glial Gq-GPCR signaling enhances heart functions in vivo.

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) accelerates heart rate, increases cardiac contractility, and constricts resistance vessels. The activity of SNS efferent nerves is generated by a complex neural network containing neurons and glia. Gq G protein-coupled receptor (Gq-GPCR) signaling in glial fibrillary acidic protein-expressing (GFAP) glia in the central nervous system supports neuronal function and regulates neuronal activity.