Overview
- Researchers visualized a previously undescribed cluster of vagal sensory fibers encircling the ventricle that expanded after myocardial infarction.
- TRPV1‑positive sensory neurons were pinpointed as key messengers of heart injury signals, and silencing them improved pumping performance and reduced scarring in mice.
- Signals from the injured heart were traced to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus before engaging the superior cervical ganglion in the neck.
- Inflammation rose in the superior cervical ganglion after infarction, and reducing that inflammation improved cardiac function and tissue repair.
- Experts highlight potential avenues such as vagus nerve stimulation, gene‑based strategies or immune‑targeted treatments, while stressing the findings are preclinical and may vary with sex, genetics and comorbidities; existing beta blockers could already affect parts of this loop.