Chronic cardiac pressure overload induces adrenal medulla hypertrophy and increased catecholamine synthesis

10.03.2011

Schneider J, Lother A, Hein L, Gilsbach R.

Basic Res Cardiol. 2011 Jun;106(4):591-602

Bas Res Cardiol           online article

Increased activity of the sympathetic system is an important feature contributing to the pathogenesis and progression of chronic heart failure. The present study demonstrates that preganglionic sympathetic nerves innervating the adrenal medulla play an essential role in inducing adrenal hypertrophy, enhanced catecholamine synthesis and desensitization of feedback control of catecholamine release after cardiac pressure overload.