The
autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a vital
role in the functioning of the organ systems
of the body, namely the cardiorespiratory,
digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.
It also maintains the internal environment
of the body through integrated systems which
regulate body temperature, blood pressure
etc. The ANS carries out its function through
the sympathetic and parasympathetic outflow
pathways to the target visceral organs (eg
. : liver, heart), apocrine glands) eg .:
sweat glands, salivary glands), blood vessels
and sphincters. The maintenance of the heart
rate, respiratory rate, peristalis (bowel
movements) and ever so many vital body functions
are carried out by the ANS without voluntary
control, or our conscious effort. However
under certain physiological conditions or
in certain disorders, the central nervous
system and spinal cord send messages through
the central connections to the concerned
area of the ANS-the nuclei, ganglica, plexuses
and outflow pathways to modify its action.
Observations
on autonomic function and its dysfunction
have been recorded for over a century and
basic scientists have formulated tests to
measure autonomic function in the laboratory
situation. However, it is only in the past
decade that it has reached the medical profession
to benefit patients suffering from disorders
of the ANS.
The
neurosciences India Group and Royal College
of Physicians Edinburgh joined hands to
disseminate and educate neurologists, psychiatrists,
general physicians, neuroscientists, graduate
students on one of the least understood
niches of human nervous system the Autonomic
nervous system (ANS). A day long symposium
highlighting the possible interdisciplinary
approach that can analyze the ANS function
was organized at 'The Park'. Doyens in every
faculty of medicine came together and shared
their experience on how to diagnose ANS
dysfunctions. The introductory lecture on
the basics of ANS was delivered by Prof.
Uday Muthane. This was followed by a very
savvy lecture on the cardiologist perspective
on ANS functions by a born medical guru
Prof. Misra. The ANS network around the
thorax was completed, when Dr. R. Narasimhan
shared his expertise on the interaction
between ANS and the respiratory system in
physiology and pathology. The renal system
and its influence on the ANS and vice-versa
were discussed by Prof. M.K. Mani, Emotion
affect the ANS and the loop can be completed
the other way round as well. Prof. E.S.
Krishnamoorthy, succinctly explained the
autonomy of the circuits that pay a major
role in this loop and shared his expertise
on how to pick up ANS dysfunctions in a
psychiatric patient. The symposium also
had a very interesting lecture that kindled
young minds and made them inquisitive when
Prof. Patrick Yesudian delivered his lecture.
He shared the perspectives of a dermatologist
in diagnosing ANS dysfunctions. The icing
on the cake was Prof. Christopher Mathias.
Prof. Christopher Mathias (Imperial College,
London) lecture on the ANS to the scientific
and non-scientific audience. He delivered
the 20th K. Gopalakrishna endowment oration
titled 'Dear doctor I am dizzy, what should
I do?'
Quoting
Prof. Mathias 'The growth of dedicated autonomic
departments with an emphasis on clinical
research and translation of basic autonomic
neuroscience is increasingly aiding diagnosis
and improving treatment of patients with
autonomic nervous system disorders. We expect
rapid progress in this fast moving and exciting
field, which embraces multiple specialities'.
