Phenotypic properties of adult mouse intrinsic cardiac neurons maintained in culture.

Intrinsic cardiac neurons are core elements of a complex neural network that serves as an important integrative center for regulation of cardiac function. Although mouse models are used frequently in cardiovascular research, very little is known about mouse intrinsic cardiac neurons. Accordingly, we have dissociated neurons from adult mouse heart, maintained these cells in culture, and defined their basic phenotypic properties.

Localization of cholinergic innervation and neurturin receptors in adult mouse heart and expression of the neurturin gene.

Neurturin (NRTN) is a neurotrophic factor required during development for normal cholinergic innervation of the heart, but whether NRTN continues to function in the adult heart is unknown. We have therefore evaluated NRTN expression in adult mouse heart and the association of NRTN receptors with intracardiac cholinergic neurons and nerve fibers. Mapping the regional distribution and density of cholinergic nerves in mouse heart was an integral part of this goal.

Presence and co-localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide with neuronal nitric oxide synthase in cells and nerve fibers within guinea pig intrinsic cardiac ganglia and cardiac tissue.

The presence of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has been analyzed in fibers and neurons within the guinea pig intrinsic cardiac ganglia and in fibers innervating cardiac tissues. In whole-mount preparations, VIP-immunoreactive (IR) fibers were present in about 70% of the cardiac ganglia. VIP was co-localized with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in fibers innervating the intrinsic ganglia but was not present in fibers immunoreactive for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase, or substance P.

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate potentiates neurite outgrowth.

Ca(2+) regulates a spectrum of cellular processes including many aspects of neuronal function. Ca(2+)-sensitive events such as neurite extension and axonal guidance are driven by Ca(2+) signals that are precisely organized in both time and space. These complex cues result from both Ca(2+) influx across the plasma membrane and the mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) stores.