Tompkins Lab

We are working to define the peripheral neural circuitry controlling the heart. A major goal of this effort is to develop detailed anatomic maps of the neuronal wiring controlling every heartbeat. In this effort we apply multidisciplinary approaches - cellular electrophysiology, confocal imaging, functional imaging, and transmission electron microscopy - to better understand the structure, function, and connectivity of neurons from the heart to the brain and spinal cord. We also seek to determine the consequence of disease (diabetes, myocardial infarction) on these peripheral neural pathways.

The Stellate Ganglion

The stellate supplies sympathetic innervation to the heart. We are identifying unique neuronal populations by combining intracellular microelectrode recording with dye injection to correlate structure with function. The goal is to identify unique attributes of the stellate neurons which innervate the heart. We hope to target selectively this population in therapy for cardiac disease.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes contribute to the progression of peripheral neuropathy, including the loss and/or dysfunction of the nerves on the heart. We study the consequences of chronic hyperglycemia on cardiac nerves in mouse models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Intrinsic Cardiac Neurons

The heart has its own brain! Clusters of autonomic ganglia (like the one shown above) are regionally distriibuted on the surface of the heart. Discrete collections of these ganglia, termed 'ganglionated plexuses', control unique populations of cells of the heart - including pacemaker cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and cardiac myocytes. We are identifying the structure and function of these 'intrinsic cardiac neurons', to better identify this neuronal 'circuitry' controlling the heart.