The cardiac neurovascular unit: sympathetic control of the capillary network in aging and transplantation

American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology 2026

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Authors: Laura Poli, Camilla Olianti, Maria Gemma Pignataro, Anna Di Bona, Leonardo Sacconi, Giulia d’Amati, Marco Mongillo, Tania Zaglia
DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00841.2025
Cited by: 1
References: 47

Abstract

This study identifies a previously unrecognized cardiac neurovascular unit in which sympathetic fibers lie in close anatomical apposition to capillary endothelial cells. Disruption of this cell-to-cell interface, during aging, pharmacological sympathectomy, or following heart transplantation, is associated with capillary remodeling and cardiomyocyte atrophy. These findings broaden current concepts of cardiac autonomic regulation and highlight the coronary microcirculation as a structural component shaped by sympathetic integrity.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Angiogenesis and VEGF in Cancer Nitric Oxide and Endothelin Effects Neuroscience of respiration and sleep

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
3
Pages
C669–C682
Publication date
29 January 2026
Language
EN