Abstract
The superior cervical ganglia (SCG) contains satellite glia (SG) and postganglionic neurons, which innervate the heart. These cell types contribute to sympathetic drive, integrating neuronal activity from the CNS to drive peripheral function. There is evidence that these neurons contribute to neurogenic hypertension development, however, the contributions of satellite glia are not understood. By studying the relationship of the satellite glia on postnatal neuron development, our understanding of the sympathetic circuit can improve along with how it malfunctions in neurogenic hypertension. This project investigated the impact that SGs have on cultured postganglionic sympathetic neurons by quantifying their cholinergic synaptogenesis and activity using both Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHR) strains. My results show that cultured SHR neurons have increased cholinergic synapses compared to WKY; also, SGs have different effects on synaptogenesis between strains. I then increased SG activity using a DREADDs system to determine if it would impact neuronal development. My results show a trend towards increased synaptogenesis; however, further research is needed due to low sample size. Lastly, I tested if this chronic SG activation would impact spontaneous and nicotine-evoked neuronal activity by recording calcium fluorescence with the protein GCaMP6. Despite obtaining results, the sample size is too small to make conclusions. Overall, this project indicates that there are differences in neuron development in hypertensive models, with or without SGs. Further research is needed to determine if chronic activation of these SGs impacts synaptogenesis and neuronal activity and their contribution to the development of neurogenic hypertension.