Central Neural Control of the Kidney

Although several studies have previously suggested that several regions of the brain are able to alter kidney function, the anatomical link between these regions and the kidney had not been uncovered. Here that anatomical link is described for the first time with the aid of a neurotropic virus used to trace these paths. A novel neural pathway is described that extends from multiple forebrain regions and projects through the brainstem and spinal cord en route to the kidney. This pathway is activated in response to stimuli associated with the regu-lation of body fluid balance and both classical amino acid transmitters and neuropeptides are likely to mediate these effects. This work lays the foundation for potential therapeutics in the treatment of conditions of renal failure and cardiovascular disease, in which the central circuitry projecting to the renal nerves is compromised.