In a recent study, scientists discovered that the heart sends signals to the brain during fainting. This may affect brain function accordingly.
The team’s work focused on the genetics of a sensory cluster known as nodose ganglia. This cluster is part of the vagus nerves, which transmit signals between the brain and internal organs, including the heart. Specifically, vagal sensory neurons (VSNs) transmit signals to the brainstem and are thought to be associated with the Bezold-Jarisch reflex (BJR; a cardiac reflex) and syncope.
Experiments in mice have shown that NPY2R-expressing VSNs (vagal sensory neurons) are closely associated with the cardiac response (BJR). When running VSN NPY2R, mice immediately lost consciousness. At the same time, their eyes rolled back almost simultaneously when their brain activity decreased. This situation can be compared to fainting.
Further testing showed that syncope and cardiac BJR reflex disappeared when VSN NPY2R was removed in mice. This means that brain activity may play an important role during fainting.
Source: Ferra
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