Modeling the heart-brain connection using innovative organ-on-a-chip technology

With organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology, it is possible to study complex cell interaction in vitro. This is important for investigating disease pathophysiology and gives an insight into organ function. Here, the heart-brain connection was investigated by a chip with ventricular cardiomyocytes, hippocampal cerebral organoids and cholinergic neurons (HVB-chip). The cells that were used to model the heart-brain system were derived from Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). In addition, the influence of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and inhibitor Ro 08-2750 was investigated. NGF stimulates the morphological differentiation and cellular connection of nerve cells. The HVB-chips were treated with different concentrations of NGF and Ro 08-2750, to analyze the influence of NGF on the connection between vagus nerve cells and heart- and brain cells. Immunostaining was performed to image the cellular connections in the HVB-chips. The control images of HVB-chips are presented in this report. The images of the HVB-chip treated with NGF and Ro 08-2750 will be presented in the presentation of this research.