Nerves in perivascular adipose tissue
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Nerves in perivascular adipose tissue: a novel target for cardiovascular regulation in obesity and ageing
IRAS ID
206612
Contact name
Vera Ralevic
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
There is growing interest in the role that the fat which normally surrounds blood vessels, called perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), plays in the regulation of artery contraction. In preliminary studies we have shown, for the first time, the presence of sensory nerves in PVAT; when these nerves are activated they cause relaxation of arteries involved in blood pressure control. When PVAT was removed from the arteries, this abolished sensory nerve-mediated artery relaxation. We have also shown, for the first time, that activation of sensory nerves within PVAT leads to the release of a chemical mediator called leptin from the PVAT. This is important because it is a novel mechanism by which PVAT can regulate artery contractility. Our studies were carried out in rats and it is now essential that we understand whether this also occurs in human PVAT. We will investigate nerves in human PVAT, how they control artery tone, and whether this involves the release of mediators such as leptin from PVAT. Our core hypothesis is that PVAT regulation of vascular tone is dysfunctional in obesity and ageing, and that this involves impaired nerve function; hence we will compare neurotransmission in arteries with and without PVAT isolated from lean vs obese humans.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NE/0225
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion