About this Research Topic
A non-neuronal cholinergic system means that non-neuronal cells possess choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) to synthesize acetylcholine (Ach) independently from the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Recently, the components in the cardiovascular system (CVS), including cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, have been identified to be able to synthesize and produce ACh, which plays crucial roles in the local environment to sustain a physiologically essential function in the heart and vasculatures. Furthermore, the cholinergic system from the non-neuronal origin and the PNS is known to play a role in regulating negatively inflammatory responses. Therefore, the involvement of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular system has been further focussed. Based on previous studies regarding the non-neuronal cholinergic system in CVS, it is suggested that the breakdown of this cholinergic system may have more significant impact on the malfunction of the heart and vasculature than expected. Moreover, the cardiovascular system is regulated by the CNS via the vagus nerve, one of the PNS; however, the ascending fiber predominantly composes 80% of the vagus nerve, in contrast, the descending one does 20%, suggesting that the heart may regulate the functions of the CNS, challenging the conventional notion that the brain regulates cardiac functions. However, this viewpoint has not be highlighted.
In this research topic, we would like to, firstly, present evidence that the non-neuronal cholinergic system exists in the heart, vasculatures, and brain endothelial cells. Secondly, we would like to discuss that the non-neuronal system plays a physiologically essential and indispensable role in those cells as demonstrated above. Especially, the loss of function models of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in the heart and vasculatures may be valuable for understanding that the system may be definitely critical, when it is malfunctioned and presents a significant phenotype in a whole body, interested organs or cells. The CVS communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve. Therefore, the impairment of the non-neuronal cholinergic system influences CNS functions. Then, studies dealing with phenotypes not only in CVS but also in CNS are acceptable. Moreover, the gain of function models is also acceptable when it is related to favourable phenotypes and functions. Thirdly, studies focusing on the link between the non-neuronal cholinergic system and PNS are also welcomed. Fourthly, as the PNS is known as an anti-inflammatory effector, studies dealing with the anti-inflammatory aspects of this system in CVS and the CNS are also expected. Finally, we would like to unify these findings and results in order to provide more complex but detailed concepts regarding the non-neuronal cholinergic system influencing the cardiovascular system and the brain function.
We welcome research topics on the following topics, but are not limited to:
- Non-neuronal cells which produce ACh in the CVS, including, for examples, cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscles, fibroblasts, and immune cells
- Being different from the already known effects of the PNS on the CVS, novel and unknown cellular effects of ACh receptors on above cells
- Physiological functions of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in the CVS using animal models (loss or gain of function models) or pharmacological application. These functions are not limited to the CVS alone, extra-CVS functions by the system are welcome to be included
- Understanding pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases from the viewpoint of the non-neuronal cholinergic system
In this research topic, we would like to, firstly, present evidence that the non-neuronal cholinergic system exists in the heart, vasculatures, and brain endothelial cells. Secondly, we would like to discuss that the non-neuronal system plays a physiologically essential and indispensable role in those cells as demonstrated above. Especially, the loss of function models of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in the heart and vasculatures may be valuable for understanding that the system may be definitely critical, when it is malfunctioned and presents a significant phenotype in a whole body, interested organs or cells. The CVS communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve. Therefore, the impairment of the non-neuronal cholinergic system influences CNS functions. Then, studies dealing with phenotypes not only in CVS but also in CNS are acceptable. Moreover, the gain of function models is also acceptable when it is related to favourable phenotypes and functions. Thirdly, studies focusing on the link between the non-neuronal cholinergic system and PNS are also welcomed. Fourthly, as the PNS is known as an anti-inflammatory effector, studies dealing with the anti-inflammatory aspects of this system in CVS and the CNS are also expected. Finally, we would like to unify these findings and results in order to provide more complex but detailed concepts regarding the non-neuronal cholinergic system influencing the cardiovascular system and the brain function.
We welcome research topics on the following topics, but are not limited to:
- Non-neuronal cells which produce ACh in the CVS, including, for examples, cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscles, fibroblasts, and immune cells
- Being different from the already known effects of the PNS on the CVS, novel and unknown cellular effects of ACh receptors on above cells
- Physiological functions of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in the CVS using animal models (loss or gain of function models) or pharmacological application. These functions are not limited to the CVS alone, extra-CVS functions by the system are welcome to be included
- Understanding pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases from the viewpoint of the non-neuronal cholinergic system
Keywords: non-neuronal, acetylcholine (ACh), heart, vasculature, brain
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