Influence of carotid and aortic baroreceptors on neurosecretory neurons in supraoptic nuclei

Brief early life angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition attenuates the diuretic response to saline loading in sheep with solitary functioning kidney

A solitary functioning kidney (SFK) from birth predisposes to hypertension and kidney dysfunction, and this may be associated with impaired fluid and sodium homeostasis. Brief and early angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi) in a sheep model of SFK delays onset of kidney dysfunction. We hypothesized that modulation of the renin-angiotensin system via brief postnatal ACEi in SFK would reprogram renal sodium and water handling. Here, blood pressure (BP), kidney haemodynamics and kidney excretory function were examined in response to an isotonic saline load (0.13 ml/kg/min, 180 min) at 20 months of age in SFK (fetal unilateral nephrectomy at 100 days gestation; term 150 days), sham and SFK+ACEi sheep (ACEi in SFK 4-8 weeks of age). Basal BP was higher in SFK than sham (∼13 mmHg), and similar between SFK and SFK+ACEi groups. Saline loading caused a small increase in BP (∼3-4 mmHg) the first 2 h in SFK and sham sheep but not SFK+ACEi sheep. Glomerular filtration rate did not change in response to saline loading. Total sodium excretion was similar between groups. Total urine excretion was similar between SFK and sham animals but was ∼40% less in SFK+ACEi animals compared with SFK animals. In conclusion, the present study indicates that water homeostasis in response to a physiological challenge is attenuated at 20 months of age by brief early life ACEi in SFK. Further studies are required to determine if ACEi in early life in children with SFK could compromise fluid homeostasis later in life.

Behavioral and cardiorespiratory responses to bilateral microinjections of oxytocin into the central nucleus of amygdala of Wistar rats, an experimental model of compulsion

Introduction

The central nucleus of amygdala plays an important role mediating fear and anxiety responses. It is known that oxytocin microinjections into the central nucleus of amygdala induce hypergrooming, an experimental model of compulsive behavior. We evaluated the behavioral and cardiorespiratory responses of conscious rats microinjected with oxytocin into the central nucleus of amygdala.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were implanted with guide cannulae into the central nucleus of amygdala and microinjected with oxytocin (0.5 µg, 1 µg) or saline. After 24 h, rats had a catheter implanted into the femoral artery for pulsatile arterial pressure measurement. The pulsatile arterial pressure was recorded at baseline conditions and data used for cardiovascular variability and baroreflex sensitivity analysis. Respiratory and behavioral parameters were assessed during this data collection session.

Results

Microinjections of oxytocin (0.5 µg) into the central nucleus of amygdala produced hypergrooming behavior but did not change cardiorespiratory parameters. However, hypergrooming evoked by microinjections of oxytocin (1 µg) into the central nucleus of amygdala was accompanied by increase in arterial pressure, heart rate and ventilation and augmented the power of low and high (respiratory-related) frequency bands of the systolic arterial pressure spectrum. No changes were observed in power of the low and high frequency bands of the pulse interval spectrum. Baroreflex sensitivity was found lower after oxytocin microinjections, demonstrating that the oxytocin-induced pressor response may involve an inhibition of baroreflex pathways and a consequent facilitation of sympathetic outflow to the cardiovascular system.

Conclusions

The microinjection of oxytocin (1 µg) into the central nucleus of amygdala not only induces hypergrooming but also changes cardiorespiratory parameters. Moreover, specific oxytocin receptor antagonism attenuated hypergrooming but did not affect pressor, tachycardic and ventilatory responses to oxytocin, suggesting the involvement of distinct neural pathways.

Glutamate microstimulation of local inhibitory circuits in the supraoptic nucleus from rat hypothalamus slices

The hypothesis of a local inhibitory input to the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus was tested with combined glutamate microstimulation and whole cell patch-clamp recordings in slices from rat hypothalamus. Synaptic activity in supraoptic magnocellular neuroendocrine cells (MNCs) was monitored and glutamate microdrops were applied in the perinuclear region of the supraoptic nucleus to evoke firing of action potentials in putative presynaptic inhibitory cells. The effect of glutamate microdrops applied in the perinuclear region was tested on 57 supraoptic MNCs. In control conditions, spontaneous excitatory (EPSCs) and inhibitory (IPSCs) postsynaptic currents were observed at resting membrane potential in all MNCs tested. Glutamate microstimulation evoked an abrupt increase in the frequency and size of spontaneous IPSCs in eight MNCs. Forty-nine MNCs did not show any change in the inhibitory synaptic input. Microapplication of glutamate in the periphery of the supraoptic nucleus did not modify the amplitude or the frequency of spontaneous EPSCs in any of the 57 MNCs tested. In the group of eight MNCs that responded to glutamate microstimulation by an increase in inhibitory input, two types of responses were observed. Four MNCs showed an increase in both size and frequency of spontaneous IPSCs through the entire range of amplitude. In the other four MNCs, local glutamate stimulation produced a dramatic increase in the size of IPSCs and a lesser increase in the frequency of the smaller IPSCs. The potential effect of the glutamate-evoked increase in inhibitory input on the firing activity of MNCs was tested in current-clamp conditions. Intracellular current injection was applied to evoke firing of action potentials in six MNCs that had responded to local glutamate microstimulation by an increase in inhibitory input. Glutamate microdrop applications inhibited the evoked action potential firing in all six cells. These results suggest 1) that local inhibitory interneurons are present in the periphery of the supraoptic nucleus, 2) that they contain functional glutamate receptors, 3) that they form inhibitory synapses with supraoptic MNCs, and 4) that activation of these interneurons inhibits firing in MNCs. These results support the hypothesis that local inhibitory interneurons play a important role in the firing activity of supraoptic MNCs.

Effect of aortic baroreceptor deafferentation on plasma vasopressin and oxytocin in the conscious rat

Experiments were done in conscious, unrestrained rats to investigate the effects of selective aortic baroreceptor deafferentation (ABD) on circulating levels of the neurohypophysial hormones arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXY). Plasma concentration of AVP and OXY were measured by radioimmunoassay before and 1-13 days after cutting the aortic depressor nerves, bilaterally. Arterial pressure was significantly elevated by approximately 12-39 mmHg above control levels after ABD. On day one after ABD, plasma AVP increased from control levels of 3.21 +/- 1.56 pg/ml to 8.29 +/- 4.66 pg/ml (258%) and plasma OXY increased from 2.53 +/- 4.24 pg/ml to 8.16 +/- 1.49 pg/ml (323%). However, by the third day after ABD, plasma AVP and OXY levels had returned to pre-ABD control levels. On days 8 and 13 after ABD, AVP levels were elevated again by approximately 2- and 9-fold, respectively, whereas the OXY levels remained at control levels. These data suggest that in the awake rat, the release of AVP and OXY is modulated differentially after ABD and that the increased circulating levels of AVP may be one of the mechanisms that contributes to the elevated arterial pressure in neurogenic hypertension.

Osmosensitive hypothalamic neurons and their responses to cardiovascular receptor activation

Neurons in the rostral hypothalamic areas were examined with physiologically hypertonic (+30 mOsm/kg, by NaCl or mannitol) and hypotonic (-30 mOsm/kg) artificial cerebrospinal fluids (ACSFs) applied by pressure through a multibarrel micropipette in urethane-anesthetized rats. Of 304 neurons tested, 39 were excited by the hypertonic ACSFs and/or inhibited by the hypotonic ACSF, and 35 were inhibited by the hypertonic ACSFs and/or excited by the hypotonic ACSF. The former cells were designated hypertonic-sensitive and the latter hypotonic-sensitive. Both types of osmosensitive neurons were diffusely scattered in the examined areas, but neurons in the lateral preoptic area and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis responded more frequently (30-40%) to the osmotic stimuli. Osmosensitive and insensitive neurons were recorded during activation of the baro- and volume receptors of the cardiovascular system. Of seven neurons that were excited during temporal hypotension induced by intravenous administration of nitroprusside, five were hypertonic-sensitive and two were osmotically insensitive. Hypertonic-sensitive neurons may be activated during dehydration, which increases the osmotic pressure and decreases the volume of body fluids. Of six neurons that were excited during temporal hypertension induced by intravenous administration of phenylephrine, four were hypotonic-sensitive and two were osmotically insensitive. Hypotonic-sensitive neurons may be activated during rehydration or overhydration. Osmosensitive neurons probably integrate cardiovascular and osmotic information that is important for the central regulation of body fluids.

Lateral hypothalamic lesions alter baroreceptor-evoked inhibition of rat supraoptic vasopressin neurones

1. Previous electrophysiological studies on rat hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus neurones have demonstrated that both the activation of peripheral baroreceptors (induced by a brief rise in arterial pressure consequent to an intravenous injection of an alpha-adrenergic agonist, metaraminol) and electrical stimulation in the diagonal band of Broca evokes a GABA-mediated postsynaptic inhibition which selectively involves the phasic-firing (putative vasopressin-secreting) neuronal population. Although baroreceptor-triggered inhibitions are abolished after diagonal band lesions, anatomical data support the hypothesis that the GABAergic neurones mediating both the baroreflex and electrically induced inhibitions are not located in the diagonal band, but rather in the lateral hypothalamus adjacent to the supraoptic nucleus. To determine the validity of this hypothesis, excitotoxic lesions were placed in the lateral hypothalamus and their effects on both baroreceptor- and diagonal band-evoked inhibitions were evaluated. 2. Male Long-Evans rats were initially anaesthetized with intraperitoneal pentobarbitone, stereotaxically injected with an excitotoxin (ibotenic acid) or vehicle into the lateral hypothalamus on the left side and allowed to recover. Three or more days later, animals were again anaesthetized with pentobarbitone and the ventral surface of their hypothalamus was exposed for electrophysiological recording of neurones in the left supraoptic nucleus. In all injected animals, extracellular recordings from antidromically identified, phasically firing supraoptic neurones were evaluated for their response to activation of peripheral baroreceptors and to electrical stimulation in the diagonal band. 3. Increases in arterial pressure sufficient to activate peripheral baroreceptors were achieved by intravenous bolus infusions of metaraminol (10 micrograms/10 microliters). In vehicle control animals (n = 6), the activity of 34/39 neurones was inhibited by baroreceptor activation. In lesion control animals (n = 13) similar inhibitions were observed from 60/65 neurones. In the lateral hypothalamic lesioned group (n = 7), the activity of only 12/34 neurones were inhibited by similar elevations in blood pressure. 4. Ibotenic acid lesions in the lateral hypothalamus also disrupted the responsiveness of supraoptic neurones to electrical stimulation in the diagonal band. Whereas diagonal band stimulation in vehicle control and lesion control rats reduced the excitability in 7/9 cells and 15/19 cells respectively, only 1/7 cells responded in the lesioned animals. 5. Lesions having a significant effect on the responsiveness of vasopressin-secreting neurones to baroreceptor activation extended laterally towards the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract, dorsally into the striatum and medially to the fornix.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Baroreceptor control of vasopressin-producing cells in streptozotocin diabetic rats

Electrical activities of the vasopressin (AVP)-producing cell in the supraoptic nucleus of the streptozotocin diabetic (STZ-DM) rat were recorded extracellularly and compared with those in the control rat. Higher hematocrit (45.3 +/- 0.5%, mean +/- SE) and lower mean blood pressure (MBP) (89.5 +/- 2.1 mmHg) suggested that STZ-DM rats were hypovolemic and hypotensive. The mean discharge rates of AVP cells were 15.2 +/- 3.1 Hz (STZ-DM) (p < 0.05 vs. control) and 8.8 +/- 0.8 Hz (control), respectively. Pressor and depressor responses were caused by phenylephrine (1.5 and 2.9 micrograms/kg, i.v.) and nitroprusside (1.5 micrograms/kg, i.v.), respectively, during the recording the AVP cells. Pressor and depressor responses linearly (STZ-DM; gamma = -0.7071, control; gamma = -0.9262) decreased and increased the discharge activity of the cells in both experimental groups, respectively. The MBP-neuronal activity relationship in STZ-DM did not differ statistically from that in the control. These results suggest that cardiovascular regulation of AVP release is well retained in STZ-DM rats.

Ibotenate lesions of the diagonal band of broca attenuate baroreceptor sensitivity of rat supraoptic vasopressin neurons

Previous electrophysiological studies in the rat suggest that neurons in the diagonal band of Broca participate in baroreceptor-induced suppression of the spontaneous activity of vasopressin-secreting neurons in the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus. In order to test this hypothesis, extracellular recordings were obtained from phasically-active vasopressin neurons in the supraoptic nucleus of anesthetized rats injected at least 3 days previously with ibotenic acid (1.25 μg/250 nl) in the diagonal band of Broca, the medial and lateral septum, or the median preoptic nucleus. In normal rats, brief increases in blood pressure produced by injections of metaraminol (10 μg/10 μl iv) that were sufficient to activate peripheral baroreceptors, suppressed the activity of a majority (21 tested, 19 suppressed) of phasically-active vasopressin-secreting neurons. In rats with ibotenic acid lesions of the diagonal band of Broca, the number of phasically-active neurons that were baroreceptor-sensitive was significantly reduced (21 tested, 8 suppressed) while lesions of the medial and lateral septum (17 tested, 16 suppressed) or the median preoptic nucleus (21 tested, 20 suppressed) had no effect. The results support the hypothesis that diagonal band of Broca neurons participate in a central pathway mediating the inhibitory effects of peripheral baroreceptor stimulation on the activity of vasopressin-secreting neurons in the rat supraoptic nucleus.

Vasopressin response to haemorrhage in rats: effect of hypoxia and water restriction

1. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of water restriction and/or hypoxia on the vasopressin response to haemorrhage in conscious rats. 2. Male, Long-Evans rats (n = 39) were prepared with chronically indwelling femoral artery and vein catheters and exposed to 24 h of one of the following: normoxia with ad lib drinking water (N + W); normoxia with water restriction (N - W); hypoxia with ad lib drinking water (H + W); and hypoxia with water restriction (H - W). At the end of 24 h, a 15 mL/kg arterial haemorrhage was performed. 3. Water restricted rats had elevated pre-haemorrhage vasopressin levels. Haemorrhage induced an increase in vasopressin in all groups. Water restriction (N - W) or hypoxia (H + W) each augmented the vasopressin response to haemorrhage. However, the combination of hypoxia and water restriction (H - W) failed to augment the vasopressin response to haemorrhage as compared to normoxic, water replete (N + W) rats. 4. Hypoxia or water restriction per se augment the vasopressin response to haemorrhage. This augmented vasopressin response to haemorrhage is not maintained when hypoxia and water restriction are combined.

Vasopressin-secreting neurones of the paraventricular nucleus respond to oropharyngeal application of hypertonic saline

Responses of electrophysiologically identified vasopressin (VP)-secreting neurones of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in the rat were recorded following the application of hypertonic saline (2-4 M) to the tongue and oropharynx. Fourteen of the 15 VP-secreting neurones were excited by the stimulus, response onset occurring within a few seconds. Of the 5 neighbouring unidentified neurones, or those identified as projecting to the median eminence, 3 were also found to respond to the stimulus. All of the responses were sustained during the period of application and were reversed following wash-off with distilled water, when neurones were found to be substantially inhibited. The results of this study indicate a role of ascending gustatory sensory afferent innervation as a predictive indicator of changing plasma osmotic pressure.

Neuronal activity of the cat supraoptic nucleus is influenced by muscle small-diameter afferent (groups III and IV) receptors

In anesthetized cats, responses of single neurosecretory neurons of the supraoptic nucleus to activation of muscle receptors were investigated. Electrical stimulation (1-3 pulses at 200 Hz) of group III and IV pure muscle afferents (gastrocnemius nerve) evoked excitation of greater than 50% of supraoptic nucleus neurons (n = 50), whereas stimulation of group Ia or Ib fibers was ineffective. Baroreceptor stimulation inhibited 95% of these supraoptic nucleus neurons that responded to activation of muscle afferents. Excitation of receptors in the gastrocnemius muscle by intra-arterial injection of chemicals (NaCl, KCl, and bradykinin) increased firing rates of most (84%, 74%, and 80%, respectively) neurosecretary neurons. The magnitude of the excitatory response was dose dependent--bradykinin being the most effective. The response disappeared after muscle denervation. When the gastrocnemius muscle alone was contracted phasically by ventral root stimulation, discharges of the supraoptic nucleus neurons increased, whereas quick stretch of the muscle had no effect. We conclude that activation of muscle receptors by chemical or mechanical stimulus can directly excite neurosecretory neurons in the supraoptic nucleus and that afferent impulses are carried by polymodal fibers of small diameter but not by the largest afferents (group I) from the muscle. The results may relate to increased concentrations of plasma vasopressin during exercise.

Long-latency baroreceptor inhibition of supraoptic neurones in the cat

Experiments were done to determine the central delay to inhibition of supraoptic neurosecretory neurones by carotid baroreceptors in chloralose-anaesthetised, paralysed cats. Fourteen out of 18 neurosecretory cells (identified by antidromic activation from the pituitary neural lobe) were tested for their response to inflation of the ipsilateral carotid sinus (prepared as a blind sac). This stimulus inhibited the spontaneous activity of 10 neurones, which were thus identified as putative vasopressin cells. Repetitive, precisely timed pressure pulses were delivered to the carotid sinus and used to construct post-stimulus histograms of this inhibition. The latency measured from the baroreceptor afferent barrage (recorded from the sinus nerve) to the onset of inhibition in supraoptic neurones was 251 +/- 58 ms (range 152-328, n = 10). The significance of this long latency for the neural pathways involved is discussed.

Distribution and morphology of vasopressin-, neurophysin II-, and oxytocin-immunoreactive cell bodies in the forebrain of the cat

Experiments were done to provide a detailed map of the location and a description of morphological characteristics of vasopressin (AVP-IR)-, neurophysin II (NII-IR)- and oxytocin (OXY-IR)-immunoreactive neuronal perikarya in the forebrain of the cat. In addition, the location of cells in the forebrain retrogradely labeled following injections of tracers into the neurohypophysis was determined. The distribution of AVP-IR and NII-IR was similar in all cases studied. Most of the cells containing AVP-IR and OXY-IR were observed in the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVH) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei. In addition, AVP-IR and OXY-IR cell bodies were found in the regions of the nucleus of the diagonal band of Broca, the dorsal chiasmatic nucleus, the anterior hypothalamic-preoptic area, the periventricular area, the nucleus circularis, the perifornical area of the lateral hypothalamus, the accessory SON, the area of the tuber cinereum (Tca), and the medial nucleus of the amygdala. The density of AVP-IR cells was greater than that of OXY-IR cells in these regions. Several forebrain areas were also observed to contain only AVP-IR perikarya: the suprachiasmatic nucleus (Sc), the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the region of the substantia innominata and ventral globus pallidus (SI/GP). In addition, the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus only contained OXY-IR perikarya. Most of the cells immunoreactive to AVP were multipolar and had spinelike processes over their somata and proximal dendrites. In addition, the majority of cells in the PVH and SON were round or oval, whereas those outside these nuclei were fusiform or triangular. The mean somal area of AVP-IR cells in the region of the SI/GP was significantly (P less than 0.05) larger than that of AVP-IR cells in all other regions examined, whereas the mean somal area of Sc AVP-IR cells was significantly (P less than 0.05) smaller than that of all other groups of AVP-IR cells examined. Most OXY-IR cells were similar morphologically to those immunoreactive to AVP, except that OXY-IR cell bodies and their appendages did not have spinelike processes. In addition, OXY-IR perikarya were generally of uniform size. OXY-IR cells in the PVH and accessory SON were significantly (P less than 0.05) larger than AVP-IR cells in the same regions, but were not different from AVP-IR cells in the lateral hypothalamus and SON.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Neurons (presumably A1-cells) projecting from the caudal ventrolateral medulla to the region of the supraoptic nucleus respond to baroreceptor inputs in the rabbit

Extracellular recordings were made in the caudal ventrolateral medulla from 29 neurons that could be antidromically activated from the region of the supraoptic nucleus in the rabbit. The median axonal conduction velocity was 0.8 m/s. Of 15 cells tested only one did not respond to some form of baroreceptor input. Fourteen were inhibited by experimentally increasing arterial pressure and 8 were excited by decreasing arterial pressure. Stimulation of the aortic depressor nerve decreased the discharge rate of 8 out of 12 cells tested. The location and projections of these neurons suggest that they were A1 noradrenaline-synthesizing cells.

Endogenous vasopressin and baroreflex mechanisms

This article reviews the anatomical and functional evidence for ascending pathways from specific brain regions to the PVN and SON which could influence AVP release. The majority of evidence favours the main projection being from a region in the caudal VLM which may coincide with the noradrenergic neurons of the A1 cell group. However, the transmitter(s) involved have yet to be identified, and whether the pathway is excitatory and/or inhibitory remains to be fully resolved. Anatomical and functional evidence is reviewed for descending projections from the SON and PVN to specific brain regions involved in cardiovascular control, and their possible involvement in baroreflex mechanisms is discussed. However, there is little unequivocal evidence that AVP is the main neurotransmitter utilized by descending projections from PVN to NTS and DMX. While, in some situations, circulating endogenous AVP exerts cardiovascular effects, details of its putative influences on baroreflex mechanisms are lacking.

Effects of preoptic and hypothalamic thermal stimulation on electrical activity of neurosecretory cells in the supraoptic nucleus

In anesthetized rats, the effect of preoptic-hypothalamic thermal stimulation was studied on supraoptic neurosecretory cells identified antidromically. More than 70% of the supraoptic neurons responded to preoptic-hypothalamic thermal stimulation in two different manners. Forty-five percent of these responding neurons increased and decreased their firing activities during rise and fall in preoptic temperature, respectively, and did not show any transient alteration in the activities. The remaining 55% transiently altered firing activities during change in temperature, but the activity depended on level of the temperature in the steady state. In almost all neurons of either type, averaged firing rates were minimal at preoptic-hypothalamic temperatures below 36 degrees C and maximal at temperatures above 39 degrees C. In 73% of the thermally responsive neurons, firing rate changed simultaneously with arterial blood pressure. In the remaining 27%, however, neuronal responses were observed without any fluctuation in the blood pressure. These results suggest that activities of the supraoptic neurosecretory cells are influenced by brain temperature.

Inhibiting the rabbit caudal ventrolateral medulla prevents baroreceptor-initiated secretion of vasopressin

The A 1 noradrenergic neurones are known to project from the caudal ventrolateral medulla to the vasopressin-secreting neuroendocrine cells in the hypothalamus. They therefore represent a possible central pathway from the medulla to the hypothalamus for baroreceptor-initiated secretion of vasopressin. We tested this hypothesis in the anaesthetized rabbit. Muscimol, a gamma-aminobutyric-acid-receptor agonist, was injected into the caudal ventrolateral medulla to inhibit the A 1 noradrenergic neurones. Secretion of vasopressin, measured by radioimmunoassay, was initiated either by arterial haemorrhage or by constriction of the inferior vena cava. After injection of vehicle into the caudal ventrolateral medulla, or after injection of muscimol into nearby control areas, both haemorrhage and constriction of the inferior vena cava produced the expected elevation in plasma vasopressin. After injection of muscimol into the caudal ventrolateral medulla, secretion of vasopressin in response to haemorrhage and to constriction of the inferior vena cava, was completely abolished. The A 1 noradrenergic neurones may be the sole pathway transmitting the reflex for baroreceptor-initiated secretion of vasopressin from the medulla to the hypothalamus.

Vasopressin contributes to hypertension caused by nucleus tractus solitarius lesions

Lesions of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) were studied to determine whether they elevate plasma vasopressin levels and, if so, whether these elevated levels of vasopressin contribute to the hypertension caused by NTS lesions. Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the NTS caused acute, severe hypertension in rats anesthetized with chloralose and in conscious, freely moving rats. After placement of the NTS lesions there was a greater than tenfold elevation in plasma vasopressin levels. Administration of an antagonist of the vasoconstrictor action of vasopressin markedly diminished the hypertension in both conscious and anesthetized rats. Following ganglionic blockade with chlorisondamine, NTS lesions still elicited hypertension, and the magnitude of the hypertension was not different from that observed in rats not treated with chlorisondamine. The hypertension produced by lesions of the NTS in ganglionic-blocked rats was completely abolished by administration of a vasopressin antagonist. These results indicate that (1) NTS lesions elevate plasma vasopressin levels and (2) elevated plasma vasopressin contributes to the hypertension produced by such lesions.

Lesions of the locus coeruleus abolish baroreceptor-induced depression of supraoptic neurones in the rat

Urethane-anaesthetized rats were used to investigate the influence of lesions within the locus coeruleus on the inhibition of phasically discharging supraoptic neurones that normally follows the activation of arterial baroreceptors. Carotid sinus baroreceptors were stimulated by the inflation of a blind sac of the carotid bifurcation. A general activation of arterial baroreceptors was evoked by increasing arterial blood pressure following the intravenous injection of the pure alpha-adrenoreceptor agonist phenylephrine. The locus coeruleus of one side only was destroyed either by thermal (radio-frequency) lesions, or by the injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (1 microliter, 0.5 mg/ml). The extent of each lesion was assessed histologically in stained tissue and with fluorescence histochemistry. Lesions in locus coeruleus abolished all baroreceptor input to supraoptic neurones on the side ipsilateral to the lesion. The lesions had no effect on the cardiovascular responses to the stimulus, and did not abolish the excitation of supraoptic neurones after ipsilateral carotid body chemoreceptor activation. 6-Hydroxydopamine lesions (1 microliter, mg/ml) in the rostral part of the ventrolateral A1 catecholamine neurones were less consistent in their abolition of baroreceptor input to the supraoptic nucleus. When the input from ipsilateral carotid sinus baroreceptors was abolished, there was an equivalent effect on the influence of the carotid body chemoreceptors. Input from other arterial baroreceptors, activated by phenylephrine injection, was not affected. From these results, it is proposed that the baroreceptor-induced depression of-phasically discharging supraoptic neurones is mediated via a direct noradrenergic input from the locus coeruleus.

The role of cardiovascular and muscle afferent systems in control of body water balance

Influences of afferent inputs from cardiovascular and muscle receptors on the activities of neurosecretory neurons in the hypothalamus, which secrete vasopressin (ADH) were studied. Recordings were made from identified neurosecretory neurons in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nuclei (PVN) of cats and rats. Activation of baroreceptors in the carotid sinus and aortic arch and atrial receptors inhibited SON and PVN neuron activities, while activation of chemoreceptors in the carotid sinus excited them. Repetitive electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus and aortic nerves showed that weak stimulation produced excitation and stronger stimulation produced inhibition of SON and PVN neurons. Electrical stimulation of these nerves and the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) by a single or short train of pulses showed that 'fast' and 'slow' pathways between the NTS and the SON existed, while these two types of pathways were not observed between the NTS and the PVN. Evidence of direct connections from the NTS to the PVN was found by means of antidromic stimulation of the PVN. Electrical stimulations of group I afferent fibers from the gastrocnemius muscle did not change SON neuron discharges, while activation of group III and IV afferent fibers excited them. Injection of chemicals (NaCl, KCl, bradykinin) into arteries supplying the muscle excited SON neurons. The excitation disappeared after section of the muscle nerves. The results indicated that activation of small afferents from the muscle excites the SON neurons, leading to an increase in vasopressin secretion. All these studies show that afferent inputs from receptors in the cardiovascular system and in the muscle have modulatory effects on neurosecretory neurons, and participate in control of body water balance by regulating vasopressin secretion from the neurohypophysis.

Possible projections from regions of paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei to the spinal cord: electrophysiological studies

The existence of monosynaptic connections between neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and the intermediolateral cell column (ILC) of the spinal cord was studied by electrophysiological techniques in chloralose-anesthetized cats. Sympathetic preganglionic discharges (recorded from the 2nd or 3rd thoracic white ramus) were evoked by microstimulation of certain regions in or near the PVN with short train of pulses and below 50 microA current. By recording responses of 'identified' and 'non-identified' neurosecretory cells in the PVN and supraoptic nucleus (SON) to stimulation of the ILC of the thoracic cord, it was possible to identify antidromically evoked action potentials in 9 out of 297 neurons tested. Among them, 2 neurons were also antidromically excited by the pituitary stalk stimulation, 5 were orthodromically excited by the same stimulus and the remaining 2 were not excited by the stalk stimulation. Our results indicate that some PVN neurons, though small in number, send axons directly to the ILC of the cord, and that a very few neurons among these also send their axons to the pituitary gland.

Inhibitory influences from arterial baroreceptors on vasopressin release elicited by fastigial stimulation in rats

Electrical stimulation of the fastigial nucleus in anesthetized, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated rats for 10 seconds (50 Hz) induced a stimulus-locked elevation of arterial pressure (the fastigial pressor response) and increased plasma vasopressin. Cervical spinal cord transection abolished the stimulus-locked fastigial pressor response and augmented the vasopressin response to a 10-fold increase (19 +/- 1 to 188 +/- 58 pg/ml, P less than 0.05; n = 8). Grading the pressor elevations occurring during the fastigial nucleus stimulus changed the amounts of vasopressin released in the same animal: acute adrenalectomy and chemosympathectomy by guanethidine reduced the magnitude of the fastigial pressor response and facilitated the vasopressin release to fastigial nucleus stimulation (intact: 52 +/- 11 pg/ml; after adrenalectomy and chemosympathectomy, 254 +/- 73 pg/ml, P less than 0.05, n = 6). Subsequent intravenous administration of a bolus of phenylephrine to increase mean arterial pressure during fastigial nucleus stimulus, as in intact situation, reduced the vasopressin release (47 +/- 9 pg/ml). After sinoaortic denervation plus vagotomy, the fastigial pressor response was preserved; however, vasopressin still increased 11-fold (from 11 +/- 1 to 126 +/- 23 pg/ml, P less than 0.01, n = 8). Vagotomy alone did not affect the vasopressin resting level nor the 4-fold increase in response to fastigial nucleus stimulation. Therefore, stimulus-locked elevations of arterial pressure oppose, by reflex mechanisms mediated through baroreceptors, but do not prevent the release of vasopressin elicited by stimulation of the fastigial nucleus.

The afferent pathway for carotid body chemoreceptor input to the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus in the rat

The pathway for chemoreceptor input to hypothalamic supraoptic nuclei has been examined in anaesthetised lactating and non-lactating rats. In lactating rats, the increase in intramammary pressure following bilateral carotid occlusion, which is probably mainly due to vasopressin, was abolished by lesions in the septum, but not by lesions in more caudal regions of the hypothalamus. In non-lactating rats, electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that the input from carotid body chemoreceptors to phasically-discharging supraoptic neurones is ipsilateral only. The effects of chemoreceptor stimulation on the neurones can be mimicked by electrical stimulation within the medial preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus in a region medial and rostral to the supraoptic nuclei. Lesions within this region abolish the chemoreceptor input to the supraoptic nuclei, but leave the baroreceptor input intact. It is proposed that chemoreceptor afferents to the supraoptic nuclei pass in the lateral hypothalamus to the region of the septum where they turn medially and descent through the medial part of the rostral hypothalamus. The results are discussed in terms of the general role of the chemoreceptor reflex and, more specifically, with respect to the possible significance of vasopressin in the control of arterial blood pressure.

Electrophysiological study of paraventricular nucleus neurons projecting to the dorsomedial medulla and their response to baroreceptor stimulation in rats

In male rats anesthetized with urethane, extracellular recordings were made from 415 neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and adjacent areas. Of these neurons 64 were excited antidromically by stimulation of the dorsomedial medulla but not by stimulation of the pituitary stalk (first group). Seventy-three neurons were antidromically excited by stimulation of the pituitary stalk but not of the dorsomedial medulla (second group, neurosecretory cells). The other 2 neurons were antidromically excited by stimulation of both the dorsomedial medulla and the pituitary stalk (third group). Latencies of antidromically evoked action potentials by stimulation of the dorsomedial medulla and of the pituitary stalk ranged between 8 and 60 ms (mean +/- S.D., 38.5 +/- 9.8, n = 66) and from 7 to 24 ms (mean +/- S.D., 13.0 +/- 3.6, n = 75), respectively, suggesting unmyelinated fiber projections in both instances. PVN neurons of these 3 groups were found to be dispersed throughout the PVN and no difference in specific locations between the neuron groups existed. Their characteristics, however, were different. The first group of neurons discharged at a slower rate and showed no phasic pattern of firing, while 28% of the second group of neurons ('identified' neurosecretory cells) showed phasic patterns of firing and their rates of discharge were higher than those of the first group of neurons. The two neurons belonging to the third group showed irregular spontaneous discharges. The areas within the dorsomedial medulla stimulation of which evoked antidromic excitation of PVN neurons were located within and adjacent to the nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS) and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). Among PVN neurons which were antidromically excited by stimulation of dorsomedial medulla, 51 cells were examined for their responses to excitation of baroreceptors. An increase in pressure of the 'isolated' carotid sinus excited 2 neurons, and inhibited 7 (14%). On the other hand, 27% (11 out of 41) of neurosecretory cells (second group) were inhibited by baroreceptor stimulation. From these results, it was concluded that essentially separate populations of PVN neurons project to the neurohypophysis and to the NTS, DMV and their vicinities, and that some of the caudally-projecting PVN neurons receive synaptic input from carotid baroreceptor reflex pathway, suggesting the possible involvement of these PVN neurons in central cardiovascular regulation.

Vasopressin, ACTH, and blood pressure during hypoxia induced at different rates

We decreased arterial PO2 at three different rates and measured blood pressure (BP), vasopressin (AVP), ACTH, and corticosteroid levels in nonsurgically stressed, anesthetized, paralyzed dogs. PaO2 was lowered to 28 Torr in 2 (fast), 10 (moderate), and 20 min (slow). The fast dPO2/dt produced a large spike in BP. Increases in AVP, ACTH, and corticosteroids were similar regardless of the dPO2/dt. When the spike in BP during the fast dPO2/dt was prevented with nitroprusside, hormone levels increased more quickly and were higher during the first 20-30 min of hypoxia. By 60 min, hormone levels were not different between experiments. The data suggest that 1) faster decreases in PO2 produce larger increases in BP, 2) increases in AVP, ACTH, and corticosteroids are primarily sensitive to the level of steady-state PaO2, and 3) increases in BP inhibit stress-induced increases in AVP and ACTH.

Dysfunction of supramedullary alpha-adrenergic mechanisms following sino-aortic denervation in Kyoto Wistar rats

Central alpha-adrenergic mechanisms of blood pressure regulation were investigated by injecting norepinephrine or bradykinin into the carotid input of the cross-circulated head preparations of normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Rats were divided into three groups: sham-operated (sham), carotid sinuses denervated (SD) and carotid sinuses and aortic nerves debuffered (SAD). Norepinephrine, 5 micrograms, produced vasodepression in all rats, accompanied by corresponding decreases in sympathetic nerve activity recorded in some rats. Magnitude of vasodepression was largest in SAD rats. In sham rats, bradykinin, 1 micrograms, produced a biphasic response: initial vasodepression followed by a sustained pressor phase. This was accompanied by corresponding changes in peripheral sympathetic nerve activity recorded in some rats. In both SAD and SD rats bradykinin-induced vasodepression was abolished, while the magnitude of the pressor phase became more prominent. The increase in the pressor phase was greater in SAD than in SD rats. In similar studies of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), responses to both alpha-adrenergic agonist and bradykinin are augmented, suggesting a dysfunction of hypothalamic alpha-adrenergic mechanisms. Since in the present study it has been shown that sino-aortic denervation produces effects similar to those seen in SHR, dysfunction of buffer nerves may account for the deficient central alpha-adrenergic mechanisms in SHR.

Influences of the limbic system on hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system

(1) Effects of stimulations of various limbic structures (the olfactory bulb, olfactory tubercle, prepyriform cortex, endopyriform nucleus and various parts of amygdaloid nuclei) on the neurosecretory neurons in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nuclei (PVN) of the hypothalamus were studied. All regions stimulated received strong inputs from the olfactory bulb. (2) Out of 195 "identified' neurosecretory neurons tested one-half or more (49-74%, depending on the structures stimulated) were inhibited by stimuli consisting of 1-3 short pulses. The inhibition occurred immediately after the stimulus in approximately one-fifty of all inhibited neurons, in the remaining four-fifths inhibition occurred after more than 20 ms latency. Inhibition of neurosecretory neuron activity lasted for several hundred milliseconds, often followed by clear post-inhibitory excitation or rebound. (3) In 23 neurons, a distinct "evoked' response of brief duration occurred with a 30 ms latency following stimulation of the lateral and medical amygdala, olfactory tubercle and prepyriform cortex. In another 17 neurons, a general increase in background activity with a longer latency (50-100 ms) occurred following stimulation of nearly all amygdaloid nuclei, olfactory tubercle and the pyriform cortex: lateral amygdala stimulation caused an excitation of the largest proportion of neurosecretory cells (30%) while none was excited by stimulation of the olfactory bulb and endopyriform cortex, except those occurring as post-inhibitory excitation. (4) There was a convergence of afferent impulses on single neurosecretory cells. A large proportion (42%) of the neurons received inputs from 2 to 4 limbic regions. (5) Neurosecretory cells which were influenced by limbic stimuli were also inhibited by baroreceptor activation and excited by osmotic stimulation. "Unidentified' neurons within SON and PVN and "atypical neurosecretory cells' (those responding to pituitary stalk stimulation with varying latencies) were also affected by the forebrain stimulation; some of these were also affected by an osmotic stimulus. A part of this group may send their axons to the median eminence.

Pathways between the nucleus tractus solitarius and neurosecretory neurons of the supraoptic nucleus: electrophysiological studies

In anesthetized cats recordings were made from hypothalamo-neurohypophysial neurons in a supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus. The region of the nucleus tractus solitarius in the medulla, identified electrophysiologically as the site of termination of the first relay neurons of the sinus and aortic nerves, was stimulated with single or short trains of pulses (2-3 at 200 Hz). Out of 133 SON neurons 67 were affected by such stimuli. In 14 cells (21% of 'responsive' neurons) the stimulus produced profound inhibition of SON neuron activity after a latency of 10-30 msec. In another 8 neurons (12%) the inhibitory effect was observed after a longer latency of over 100 msec. An increase in intensity of stimulus merely prolonged or increased the inhibitory effect without changing the response qualitatively. The other 45 (67%) SON neurons were excited by stimulation of the nucleus tractus solitarius. In a small proportion of these neurons (5 cells, 7%) the stimulus evoked discharges, even in spontaneously silent neurosecretory cells, after a latency of 10-20 msec with little fluctuation. In the remaining 40 neurons, i.e. 60% of the 'responsive' neurons, the excitatory effect was observed after a latency of 40-120 msec. Again, changes in intensity of stimulation did not alter the nature of this response. The results indicate that both 'fast' as well as 'slow' pathways between the nucleus tractus solitarius and SON neurons exist and impulses travelling through the latter pathway from the carotid sinus or aortic nerve affect the larger proportion of SON neurons.