The Stocker laboratory explores how the central nervous system senses neurohumoral signals to regulate body fluid homeostasis (water and salt balance) and cardiovascular function. These sensory signals arise from the circulation or cerebrospinal fluid as well as local environments such as the kidney. Unique sensory neurons transmit such information to integration centers within the hypothalamus to coordinate changes in behavior (thirst and salt appetite), neuroendocrine function (anti-diuretic hormone or vasopressin), and the activity of the autonomic nervous system. Alterations in sensory function, integration of these signals, or coordinated responses commonly contributes to cardiovascular disease including hypertension. To address these questions, the laboratory uses a number of approaches including in vivo neurophysiology, in vitro electrophysiology, opto- and chemo-genetic tools, in vivo cardiovascular monitoring, and translational studies in humans.  

Project 1 investigates how dietary salt intake contributes to cardiovascular disease. Compelling evidence indicates that dietary salt acts centrally with other factors (genetic, hormonal) to elevate sympathetic nerve activity, blood pressure variability, and blood pressure. Time-controlled studies in both humans and animals indicate dietary salt intake elevates plasma or cerebrospinal fluid Na+ concentrations. A major goal of our laboratory is to identify the cellular mechanisms that permit specialized “Na+-sensing neurons” or osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus to sense changes in Na+ and lead to cardiovascular disease. 

Project 2 explores how changes in the kidney activate renal sensory nerves to alter cardiovascular function. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated renal denervation lowers blood pressure in humans and multiple experimental models in the laboratory. We are using a multi-faceted approach to understand what the renal sensory nerves detect, the central anatomical circuitry, and mechanisms by which such sensory nerves alter cardiovascular function.