Autonomic Nervous System: Role in the Regulation of Peripheral Metabolism and Pathophysiology of Metabolic Disease

Sept. 20 - 21, 2018

Event DetailsAgendaTravel

Invitation to Participate

This meeting is open to the public, but space is limited.

Background

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in the regulation of physiological responses required for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Afferent fibers relay sensory and metabolic information to the central nervous system, while efferent fibers provide the major neural pathway from the brain to peripheral tissues. Activation or inhibition of organ-specific neural fibers can have profound effects on regulating such key metabolic processes as gluconeogenesis; lipolysis; and hormonal secretion in the liver, adipose tissue, intestine, and pancreas. Although new techniques in neuroscience and molecular genetics are being used to elucidate the neuroanatomy and function of the ANS, much remains unknown regarding the contribution of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems in the regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis. Clinical research in this area is severely hampered by a paucity of tools and/or methodologies available to assess tissue-specific autonomic function or dysfunction. Overall, the role of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems in the etiology and pathophysiology of metabolic diseases remains a scientific area ripe for development.

Objectives

Increase attendees’ foundational knowledge of the role of the ANS in peripheral metabolism and metabolic disease.
Foster interaction between basic and clinical scientists with expertise in metabolism and neuroscience.
Discuss the limitations of technologies/methodologies for measurement of tissue-specific activity and function in humans.
Build on the Common Fund–supported program “Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions” to expand the focus to metabolic disease.
Identify research gaps in basic and clinical science.

Organizing Committee

External Members

Hans-Rudi Berthoud, Ph.D.
Professor, Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Gavin Lambert, Ph.D., FAHA
Director, Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology

Internal Members

Karen Teff, Ph.D.
Program Director, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, National Institute

James Hyde, Ph.D.
Program Director, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, NIDDK, NIH

Registration Deadline

September 13, 2018