Mapping the Central Autonomic Network Nodes Integrating Cardiovascular and Metabolic Control

Paul Allen Williams; Deng-Fu Guo; Alexis Olson; Kamal Rahmouni

doi:10.1007/s10571-026-01666-1

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Mapping the Central Autonomic Network Nodes Integrating Cardiovascular and Metabolic Control

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Mapping the Central Autonomic Network Nodes Integrating Cardiovascular and Metabolic Control

Paul Allen Williams, Deng-Fu Guo, Alexis Olson and Kamal Rahmouni

Cellular and molecular neurobiology, Vol.46(1), 30

2026

DOI: 10.1007/s10571-026-01666-1

PMCID: PMC12876517

PMID: 41535604

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Abstract

The autonomic networks of the central nervous system tightly coordinate metabolic and cardiovascular functions. The frequent coexistence of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders suggests cross talk between neural circuits governing energy balance and cardiovascular regulation. In this study, we used trans-neuronal tracing to define the higher-order neurons involved in the coordination of cardiometabolic regulation in mice. We identified several nuclei that contain neurons associated with a cardiovascular organ (kidney) and metabolic tissues (brown adipose tissue [BAT] or liver), with substantial overlap across regions. Co-projecting neurons (kidney-BAT or kidney-liver) were observed in areas including the cortical, hypothalamic, midbrain, and brainstem regions. Analysis of soma size revealed regional and organ-specific differences, with some nuclei exhibiting multiple morphological phenotypes. Notably, soma size distributions differed significantly between kidney- and BAT-projecting neurons in the motor cortex and locus coeruleus, but not in the paraventricular nucleus or lateral hypothalamus. These findings indicate that while cardiometabolic control involves overlapping neuronal populations, morphological specialization may distinguish neurons regulating cardiovascular versus metabolic functions. Together, this work provides anatomical evidence supporting the integrative organization of autonomic networks that coordinate cardiovascular and metabolic regulation.

Morphology

Neuroanatomy

Central autonomic system

Pseudorabies virus

Liver

Interscapular brown adipose tissue

Cardiometabolic coupling

Kidney

Details

Title: Subtitle: Mapping the Central Autonomic Network Nodes Integrating Cardiovascular and Metabolic Control
Creators: Paul Allen Williams - University of Iowa
Deng-Fu Guo - University of Iowa
Alexis Olson - University of Iowa
Kamal Rahmouni - Iowa City VA Health Care System
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Cellular and molecular neurobiology, Vol.46(1), 30
DOI: 10.1007/s10571-026-01666-1
PMID: 41535604
PMCID: PMC12876517
NLM abbreviation: Cell Mol Neurobiol
ISSN: 1573-6830
eISSN: 1573-6830
Publisher: Springer Nature
Grant note: HL162773, HL172944 / NIH HHS BX004249, BX006040 / U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs DK007690, DK112751 / NIH HHS
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 01/14/2026
Date published: 2026
Academic Unit: Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Neuroscience and Pharmacology; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9985129577202771

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