Cardiorespiratory effects produced by microinjecting L-glutamic acid into medullary nuclei associated with the ventral surface of the feline medulla

Role of glutamate in a visceral sympathoexcitatory reflex in rostral ventrolateral medulla of cats

The rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) is involved in processing visceral sympathetic reflexes. However, there is little information on specific neurotransmitters in this brain stem region involved in this reflex. The present study investigated the importance of glutamate and glutamatergic receptors in the rVLM during gallbladder stimulation with bradykinin (BK), because glutamate is thought to function as an excitatory neurotransmitter in this region. Stimulation of visceral afferents activated glutamatergic neurons in the rVLM, as noted by double-labeling with c-Fos and the cellular vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3). Visceral reflex activation significantly increased arterial blood pressure as well as extracellular glutamate concentrations in the rVLM as determined by microdialysis. Barodenervation did not alter the release of glutamate in the rVLM evoked by visceral reflex stimulation. Iontophoresis of glutamate into the rVLM enhanced the activity of sympathetic premotor cardiovascular rVLM neurons. Also, the responses of these neurons to visceral afferent stimulation with BK were attenuated significantly (70%) by blockade of glutamatergic receptors with kynurenic acid. Microinjection of either an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanate (25 mM, 30 nl) or an dl-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (2 mM, 30 nl) into the rVLM significantly attenuated the visceral sympathoexcitatory reflex responses. These results suggest that glutamate in the rVLM serves as an excitatory neurotransmitter through a baroreflex-independent mechanism and that both NMDA and AMPA receptors mediate the visceral sympathoexcitatory reflex responses.

Involvement of cholinergic mechanisms in the central control of respiration in the cane toad, Bufo marinus

Chemical substrates, central sites and central mechanisms underlying the regulation of breathing in lower vertebrates have not been well characterized. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of pH changes and cholinergic agents on the central control of respiration in the cane toad, Bufo marinus. Adult toads were anesthetized, catheterized and unidirectionally ventilated before exposing the brainstem. An airtight buccal cannula was also inserted through the tympanum to record buccal pressure. The animal was decerebrated, anesthetic removed and the responses to pH changes of solutions bathing the ventral surface of the medulla (VSM) were tested by superfusing the VSM with mock cerebrospinal fluid (mCSF) of pH 7.8-normal, 7.2-acidic and 8.4-basic. The acidic solution increased respiratory activity, the basic solution decreased activity and the normal solution had no effect. In addition, cholinergeric agents (acetylcholine-ACh, physostigmine-Phy, nicotine-Nic, and atropine-Atr) dissolved in mCSF were applied bilaterally onto the VSM using filter paper pledgets. ACh, Phy and Nic increased episodic breathing frequency by 14.3+/-9.7, 9.4+/-5.4 and 29.1+/-11.8 %, respectively, whereas, Atr caused a decrease (-26.6+/-16.6%). These agents had no effect on blood pressure. It is therefore, concluded that the VSM is pH sensitive and a cholinergic mechanism is involved in the central modulation of respiration in Bufo.

Baroreflex dependent and independent roles of the caudal ventrolateral medulla in cardiovascular regulation

The caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) plays a critical role in cardiovascular regulation. Convincing data now support the hypothesis that inhibition of sympathoexcitatory neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) by CVLM neurons constitutes the necessary inhibitory link in baroreceptor reflex mediated control of sympathetic vasomotor outflow. Inhibition or destruction of the CVLM produces severe acute hypertension, consistent with blockade of baroreceptor reflexes and withdrawal of inhibition of RVLM sympathoexcitatory neurons. However, other data indicate that the CVLM also tonically inhibits RVLM sympathoexcitatory neurons in a manner not driven by baroreceptor input. In some studies, inhibition of the CVLM results in an increase in arterial pressure (AP) without inhibiting baroreceptor reflexes, possibly reflecting baroreceptor-independent and baroreceptor-dependent sub-regions of the CVLM. Furthermore, in baroreceptor-denervated rats, inhibition of the CVLM still leads to large increases in AP. In addition, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) central processing of baroreceptor reflexes appears normal but CVLM-mediated inhibition of the RVLM seems to be attenuated, suggesting that it is specifically a baroreceptor-independent mechanism of cardiovascular regulation in SHR that is altered. Taken together, these findings support an important, tonic, baroreceptor-independent inhibition of RVLM sympathoexcitatory neurons exerted by the CVLM.

Naloxone reverses inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture on sympathetic cardiovascular reflex responses

Acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, including angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. In a feline model of reflex-induced reversible myocardial ischemia, electrical stimulation of the median nerves to mimic EA (Neiguan acupoint) significantly improved ischemic dysfunction, secondary to an inhibitory effect of EA on reflex pressor effects evoked by bradykinin (BK). The central mechanism of EA's inhibitory effect in this model is unknown. Accordingly, in alpha-chloralose-anesthetized cats, BK (10 micrograms/ml) was applied to the gallbladder to elicit a cardiovascular reflex response that significantly (P < 0.05) increased arterial blood pressure and heart rate; normalized systolic wall thickening (%WTh) of the left ventricle, measured by ultrasonic single-crystal sonomicrometer, increased by 31 +/- 11% (P < 0.05). After ligation of a side branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery, the reflex pressor response to BK resulted in a significant decrease of %WTh (-32 +/- 6%) in the ischemic region. When bilateral EA of the Neiguan acupoints was performed, the pressor response to BK was inhibited and regional myocardial function was significantly improved (+19 +/- 20%). The inhibitory effects of EA on blood pressure and %WTh were reversed by intravenous injection of naloxone (0.4 mg/kg; n = 9) or microinjection of naloxone (10 nM in 0.1 microliter/site; n = 14) into the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM). Thus %WTh with intravenous naloxone was reduced to -13 +/- 29% (P<0.05) during stimulation of the gallbladder. Our results indicate that the inhibitory effect of EA on the BK-induced pressor response and the consequent improvement of ischemic dysfunction is dependent on the activation of opioid receptors, specifically receptors located in the rVLM.

Depressed ventilatory response to hypoxia in hypothermic newborn piglets: role of glutamate

To evaluate whether changes in extracellular glutamate (Glu) levels in the central nervous system could explain the depressed hypoxic ventilatory response in hypothermic neonates, 12 anesthetized, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated piglets <7 days old were studied. The Glu levels in the nucleus tractus solitarius obtained by microdialysis, minute phrenic output (MPO), O2 consumption, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial blood gases were measured in room air and during 15 min of isocapnic hypoxia (inspired O2 fraction = 0.10) at brain temperatures of 39.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C [normothermia (NT)] and 35.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C [hypothermia (HT)]. During NT, MPO increased significantly during hypoxia and remained above baseline. However, during HT, there was a marked decrease in MPO during hypoxia (NT vs. HT, P < 0.03). Glu levels increased significantly in hypoxia during NT; however, this increase was eliminated during HT (P < 0.02). A significant linear correlation was observed between the changes in MPO and Glu levels during hypoxia (r = 0.61, P < 0.0001). Changes in pH, arterial PO2, O2 consumption, arterial blood pressure, and heart rate during hypoxia were not different between the NT and HT groups. These results suggest that the depressed ventilatory response to hypoxia observed during HT is centrally mediated and in part related to a decrease in Glu concentration in the nucleus tractus solitarius.

Ventral medullary neuronal responses to peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation

Recent findings suggest that carotid chemoreceptor input into the ventral medullary surface intermediate area during hypoxia is inhibitory (Gozal et al., (1994) Neurosci. Lett. 178, 73-76. However, systemic hypoxia is a complex stimulus, and effects of carotid chemoreceptor stimulation per se on intermediate ventral medullary surface neuronal activity are difficult to isolate. Therefore, we studied neural activation of the intermediate ventral medullary surface during peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation by intravenous sodium cyanide using optical procedures in seven pentobarbital-anesthetized cats. Control recordings were also acquired in the suprasylvian cortex of three cats. Images of reflected 660 nm light were collected at l/s with a charge-coupled device camera, triggered by the cardiac R wave, after 0.0, 0.5, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 40 micrograms/kg i.v. sodium cyanide administration before and following carotid sinus denervation. Sodium cyanide doses > 5 micrograms/kg significantly increased ventilation, an effect which was eliminated following carotid sinus denervation. A pronounced, dose-dependent activity decrease within the intermediate ventral medullary surface occurred within seconds of sodium cyanide administration, with subsequent return to baseline. Carotid sinus denervation eliminated rapid-onset neural responses to all sodium cyanide doses. However, at the 40 micrograms/kg dose, a smaller, slower onset (25 s), activity decrease occurred both pre- and postdenervation. In the neocortex, the sodium cyanide-induced fast responses were absent. Intravenous cyanide, acting via a carotid sinus nerve pathway, results in a dose-dependent decrease in neural activity within the intermediate ventral medullary surface of cats. High-dose sodium cyanide also appears to decrease intermediate ventral medullary surface neural activity directly.

In vivo release of glutamate in nucleus tractus solitarii of the rat during hypoxia

1. An attempt has been made to test the hypothesis that, in the caudal part of nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) where carotid sinus nerve (CSN) afferents project, L-glutamate (Glut) modulates the hypoxic ventilatory response. 2. Unanaesthetized, peripherally chemodenervated (carotid body denervated; CBD) and sham-operated, freely moving rats were used. During peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation by hypoxia (10% O2 for 30 min) or doxapram (Dox) infusion (2 mg kg-1 (30 min)-1), ventilation was recorded and successively, under the same conditions, the extracellular Glut concentration ([Glut]o) in the caudal NTS was measured by in vivo microdialysis. [Glut]o was also measured during hyperoxic hypercapnia (10% CO2-30% O2 for 30 min). 3. Furthermore, the effects on ventilation of exogenous Glut, the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist MK-801 or the ionotropic receptor antagonist kynurenate microinjected into the caudal NTS were investigated in sham-operated rats. 4. In sham-operated rats, both ventilation and [Glut]o in NTS were increased during peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation. On the other hand, no increases in either ventilation or Glut release were observed in CBD rats. In spite of ventilatory augmentation during hypercapnia, no response of [Glut]o to hypercapnia was observed in either group. 5. Local Glut application into NTS increased ventilation. Pretreatment with MK-801 or kynurenate reduced the hypoxic ventilatory response. This reduction in ventilation was mainly due to the decrease in tidal volume. 6. These results suggest that hypoxia induced the release of Glut in NTS and that this effect was mediated by arterial chemosensory input.

Excitatory and depressant respiratory responses to chemical stimulation of the rostral ventrolateral medulla in the cat

The rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) is known to play an important role in cardiorespiratory control. In the rVLM an 'apnoea region', in which unilateral focal blocks induce strong depressant effects on inspiratory activity up to complete apnoea, has been described. This study was designed to systematically investigate the effects provoked by unilateral micro-injections (10-30 nl) of D,L-homocysteic acid 160 mM into this region on respiratory activity and arterial blood pressure in pentobarbitone anaesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated cats. Micro-injections into the rostral portion of this area caused depressant respiratory responses up to complete apnoea, while micro-injections into more caudally located sites induced excitatory respiratory responses. Similar effects were observed in the activity of phrenic nerves and inspiration-related medullary neurons of both the dorsal and ventral respiratory group. The respiratory responses could be accompanied by marked increases in blood pressure (> or = 30 mmHg), especially at locations ventral to the retrofacial and facial nucleus; however, they could also occur in the absence of appreciable changes or even in association with slight decreases in blood pressure. Similar respiratory and pressor effects were observed in carotid sinus denervated cats. The results indicate that two distinct rVLM neuronal populations, one located more rostrally and the other more caudally, may have an important role in the genesis and/or maintenance of respiratory rhythm by exerting respectively inhibitory and excitatory influences on inspiratory activity. Furthermore, they support the hypothesis that different neural substrates of the rVLM are involved in the regulation of respiratory and cardiovascular functions.

Cardiorespiratory responses to glutamatergic antagonists in the caudal ventrolateral medulla of rats

The role of caudal ventrolateral medullary (CVLM) depressor neurons in influencing arterial pressure and ventilation as well as the baroreflex control of arterial pressure was investigated, and the part played by excitatory N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors in mediating the responses was determined. In urethane-anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats unilateral microinjections into the caudal depressor area of the broad-band glutamatergic antagonist kynurenic acid (KYN, 5 nmol or 1.58 nmol), or NMDA antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (2-APV, 2.7 nmol), or the non-NMDA antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX, 0.257 nmol) caused a respiratory arrest within 4 min and the animals had to be artificially ventilated. Respiratory frequency increased on injecting KYN and CNQX while it did not change significantly with 2-APV. Apnea resulted from progressive decrease in tidal volume. During the apnea ventilation with 5% CO2 did not revive breathing. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased significantly with KYN and 2-APV injections but not with CNQX. The baroreflex decrease of MAP, elicited by left or right aortic depressor nerve stimulation, was significantly reduced or abolished after bilateral microinjections of all 3 antagonists. Ventilation as well as the baroreflex usually recovered after 1-1.5 h. Microinjections of the same doses of antagonists into the facial nucleus, as well as application of KYN (25 nmol) to the ventral medullary surface above the hypoglossal rootlets, had no significant effect. The results support previous findings that the CVLM neurons of the rat inhibit sympathetic neurons providing the vasomotor tone, and that an intact CVLM is obligatory for mediating the baroreflex decrease of arterial pressure. The results also indicate that: (1) the CVLM is essential for sustaining ventilation in the rat; (2) only NMDA receptors are involved in maintaining baseline blood pressure while both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors mediate the baroreceptor depressor reflex; and (3) both NMDA and non-NMDA receptor activation is necessary to sustain ventilation.

Differential actions of the medial region of caudal medulla on autonomic nerve activities

1. The inhibitory effects produced by activation of the medial region of caudal medulla on activities of the left and right cardiac sympathetic, vagus and greater splanchnic nerves were studied in chloralose-urethane anaesthetized cats. 2. Electrical stimulation of the medial region produced an 80-92% inhibition of the sympathetic nerve activities, and a 45% and 58% inhibition of the left and right cardiac vagal nerve activities, respectively. There were no significant differences between effects elicited in the left and right autonomic nerves. Similar but smaller inhibitory effects were produced by micro-injection of sodium glutamate (0.5 mol/L) or DL-homocysteic acid (50 mmol/L) to the same medullary sites. 3. These data suggest that neurons residing in the medial medullary region exert strong inhibitory effects on autonomic nerve activities. Since the vasculature is principally innervated by sympathetic nerves, inhibition of sympathetic nerve activities might be the principal factor responsible for the depressor effects caused by activation of the medial region of caudal medulla. The heart is innervated both by sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Thus, their simultaneous inhibition during activation of the medial region elicits only a weak and variable inhibition of the heart.

Cardiorespiratory responses to chemical stimulation of the caudal most ventrolateral medulla in the cat

Chemical stimulation of caudal ventrolateral medulla evoked both pressor and depressor responses. The pressor sites were generally located caudal to depressor sites. Effects on heart rate were variable. Significant increases in minute ventilation were also observed, which were primarily due to changes in respiratory frequency.

Modulation of respiratory reflexes by an excitatory amino acid mechanism in the ventrolateral medulla

Results from several studies suggest that the ventrolateral medulla (VLM) is involved in modulating the respiratory response to central and/or peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation. Furthermore, the excitatory amino acid (EAA) glutamate has been shown to have marked effects on respiration when administered to VLM sites. The purpose of this study was to determine if an excitatory amino acid mechanism in the VLM modulates the respiratory responses to hypoxia or hypercapnia in anesthetized rats. Exposure to hypoxic or hypercapnic gas under control conditions elicited increases in respiratory activity (diaphragmatic EMG activity and breathing frequency). Bilateral injection of kynurenic acid (KYN), an EAA antagonist, into rostral VLM sites evoked significant increases in breathing frequency; injections more caudal in the VLM typically caused apnea. Significantly larger increases in respiratory output were elicited by both hypoxia and hypercapnia after rostral VLM microinjections of KYN. The accentuated responses returned to control levels after a recovery of approximately 100 min. Microinjection of xanthurenic acid (XAN), an inactive analog of kynurenic acid, into the VLM prior to KYN had only slight effects on resting respiratory activity and no effects on the responses to hypoxia or hypercapnia. These results suggest two separate VLM sites which modulate respiration by EAA mechanisms. A more rostral site tonically inhibits respiratory activity and the respiratory responses to chemoreceptor stimulation and more caudal VLM sites may be required for the maintenance of respiratory activity.

An intracellular study of respiratory neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of the rat and their relationship to catecholamine-containing neurons

Intracellular recording and labelling with Lucifer yellow of respiratory neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla were carried out in urethane-anaesthetised rats. A combined immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase technique enabled an assessment of the tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity, as well as an examination of the morphology of inspiratory and expiratory neurons in this part of the medulla oblongata. The results demonstrate: a) that respiratory neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of the rat are intermingled with catecholamine-containing neurons of the C1 cell group, but are not themselves catecholamine-containing; b) that many non-spinally projecting respiratory neurons have axonal arborisations within the ventrolateral medulla in the same region as the C1 cell group, other respiratory neurons, and neurons reported to have a cardiovascular function; and c) that the dendrites of respiratory neurons in this region radiate throughout the ventrolateral medulla and frequently approach the ventral surface.

Stimulation of serotonin2 receptors in the ventrolateral medulla of the cat results in nonuniform increases in sympathetic outflow

Topical application of the serotonin2 agonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane or DOI, in a dose of 30 micrograms/side to the intermediate area of the ventrolateral surface of the medulla produced a significant increase in mean arterial pressure with no significant change in heart rate both in intact animals (n = 8) and in cervically vagotomized animals (n = 3). The pressor response of DOI was blocked by pretreatment of the intermediate area with ketanserin, a serotonin2 antagonist (n = 7). Pretreatment with intravenous phentolamine did not block the pressor response of DOI (n = 3). However, this pressor response could be counteracted by intravenous propranolol (n = 5) or by bilateral stellate ganglionectomy (n = 3). These data suggest that sympathoexcitation by centrally applied DOI selectively increased cardiac inotropy but not chronotropy. Further studies indicate that DOI increased contractile force without increasing heart rate and that the positive inotropic effect of DOI could be counteracted by bilateral stellate ganglionectomy. Bilateral microinjections of DOI into the subretrofacial nucleus in a dose of 100 ng (n = 3) and a dose of 300 ng (n = 3) increased mean arterial blood pressure by 23 +/- 2 and 44 +/- 6 mm Hg, respectively, without producing any changes in heart rate. These data suggest that DOI has a central site of action in the ventrolateral medulla, presumably at the subretrofacial nucleus, which leads to selective sympathoexcitation of the cardiac ventricles.

Role of neurotransmitters in the central regulation of the cardiovascular system

The last decade has seen tremendous progress in determining the nature of the neurotransmitters which regulate central nervous system pathways involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Investigations are now pursuing the identity and functional importance of neurotransmitters contained within pathways shown to be important in cardiovascular regulation. In addition, several key components of the brain stem networks involved in the control of sympathetic activity have been identified. For example, numerous studies indicate the importance of neurons located in the rostral ventrolateral medulla in the regulation of SPN. Indeed, this area contains medullospinal sympathoexcitatory neurons which represent the final site of integration of many brain stem and reflex pathways involved in the regulation of sympathetic nerve activity. The neurotransmitter which is utilized by this medullospinal pathway remains unknown. Epinephrine, substance P and glutamate have all been hypothesized as primary chemical mediators in the descending pathway from the brain stem to SPN. Interestingly, lesions of, or antagonists to, epinephrine, substance P, glutamate and 5-HT neurons all abolish sympathetic activity and reduce blood pressure to a level similar to that in a spinal animal. Clearly, not all these transmitters are primary mediators of sympathetic information carried from the brain stem to the spinal cord. It is likely that monoamines and neuropeptides act in the IML, as in other area of the central nervous system, as neuromodulators to set the level of excitability of SPN rather than relaying sympathetic information over a functionally specific medullospinal pathway. This conclusion is supported by the observation that midline medullary 5-HT neurons provide a tonic excitatory input to SPN, but receive no afferent inputs from other central sympathetic or baroreceptor pathways. However, the firing of 5-HT neurons appears to relate to the state of vigilance of the animal. This suggests that 5-HT neurons may lower the threshold of SPN to sympathetic inputs during states of wakefulness. In addition, the time course of the norepinephrine-mediated slow EPSPs and IPSPs in SPN is consistent with a gain-setting function. By analogy, epinephrine is likely to act as a neuromodulator in the IML rather than to serve as the primary mediator of sympathetic information descending from the rostral ventrolateral medulla.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Homocysteic acid elicits pressor responses from ventrolateral medulla and dorsomedial medulla

In rats and cats anesthetized with alpha-chloralose and urethane, the pressor response and its relative reactivity were studied following microinjection of dl-homocysteic acid (DLH, 2 nmol in 40 nl of saline) into the dorsomedial medulla (DM) or the ventrolateral medulla (VLM). DLH, which excites only cell bodies of neurons but not fibers of passage, consistently produced pressor responses in DM and VLM in both cats and rats. The pressor effects elicited from VLM were more pronounced than those from DM. In cats, the most active areas for DLH were found in the rostral and midmedulla; the pons and caudal medulla were less active. The pressor responses from DM and VLM were augmented following bilateral vagotomy, persisted after sectioning of the carotid sinus and aortic depressor nerves, and after cauterization of the carotid bodies with phenol. The response induced by DLH was more apparent from VLM than that from DM. These pressor effects were evoked directly by activation of neurons in these two regions, and were not necessarily related to any homocysteate blockade of baroreceptor and/or chemoreceptor reflexes. These results suggest that in the medulla there reside at least two discrete pressor areas, DM and VLM containing neuronal perikarya.

Integration of cardiorespiratory responses in the ventrolateral medulla

Interventions confined to the region adjacent to the VMS can produce both respiratory and circulatory effects. Although it has been suggested that both breathing and vasomotor changes arise from the same neural elements near the VMS, our own investigations indicate that the neurons involved are closely linked but not identical. This belief is supported by recent studies which show that AII and angiotensin antagonists microinjected into the rostral portion of the VMS can significantly modify blood pressure and respiration but can produce effects of different sign. These observations, coupled with previous studies of the VMS, indicate the possibility that regions near the VMS may contribute to integration of circulatory and respiratory responses.

Respiratory and vasomotor responses to focal cooling of the ventral medullary surface (VMS) of the rat

Experiments were performed on anesthetized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated rats after denervation of the vagus and carotid sinus nerves. The electrical activity of the phrenic and cervical sympathetic nerves (CS) along with the arterial blood pressure (BP) were monitored. Graded unilateral cooling of the ventral lateral surface (VMS) from 37 degrees C to 10 degrees C between 6th and 12th nerve rootlets did not affect the phrenic activity. Whereas, a significant depression or apnea was seen with cooling of an area between 1st cervical and 12th nerve rootlets. Bilateral cooling also produced similar respiratory responses. Respiratory depression could also be obtained during higher respiratory drive (7% CO2 in O2). On the other hand, a significant fall in BP and reduction in CS activity were observed with unilateral cooling in any of these VMS areas. However, the magnitude of BP decrease was less with 7% CO2 in O2 compared to 100% O2 breathing.

Excitatory and inhibitory effects on respiration of L-glutamate microinjected superficially into the ventral aspects of the medulla oblongata in cat

L-Glutamate (4-40 nmol) was microinjected at superficial depths beneath the ventral surface of the medulla oblongata in cats. Injections (100-300 microns beneath the surface) made rostromedial to the hypoglossal nerve, less than 1.5 mm lateral to the pyramidal tract, caused stimulation of phrenic nerve activity. Injections (100-500 microns beneath the surface) up to 1 mm further lateral caused a marked increase in arterial pressure and depression of phrenic nerve activity. These findings support the existence of two cell groups in the ventral medulla that are involved in regulation of respiration; when activated, one (medial group) causes facilitation and the other (lateral group) inhibition of respiration.

Differential control of cardiac and vasomotor activity by neurones in nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis in the cat

1. In cats anaesthetized with chloralose, neuronal cell bodies were excited by micro-injection of DL-homocysteic acid (DLH). 2. Injections made into the ventrolateral medulla in the region of nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis (p.g.l.) produced a rise in blood pressure accompanied by either an increase or decrease in heart rate according to the precise site of the injection. The tachycardia was blocked by propranolol (0.15-0.5 mg kg-1 I.V.) whilst bradycardia was abolished by vagotomy or atropine (0.2-1.5 mg kg-1 I.V.). 3. Recordings were made of blood flow to the hind-limb, renal and mesenteric vascular beds in order to study the haemodynamic changes separately in each region. 4. Vasoconstriction was seen in the renal and mesenteric beds and either vasodilatation or vasoconstriction could be evoked in hind-limb muscle. The vasodilatation in hind-limb muscle was resistant to atropine but significantly reduced by propranolol (0.15-1.5 mg kg-1 I.V.) and therefore was probably mediated mainly by circulating adrenaline. 5. The relative contribution by each vascular bed to the rise in peripheral resistance produced by micro-injection of DLH at any one site varied according to the site of the injection and there was a degree of topographical organization within p.g.l. The neuronal pools which elicit tachycardia, renal vasoconstriction and hind-limb dilatation were located at the rostral end of the nucleus whilst those which produced vasoconstriction in the hind-limb muscle and mesenteric vascular beds were represented further caudally.

Cardiorespiratory effects produced by injecting drugs that affect GABA receptors into nuclei associated with the ventral surface of the medulla

It has recently been shown that L-glutamic acid induced stimulation of cell bodies in a circumscribed area of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in the cat, produced increases in arterial pressure (AP), decreases in heart rate (HR) and transient apnea (Gatti, Norman, DaSilva and Gillis, 1986). The purpose of the present study was to determine if this same area was sensitive to GABA receptor agonists and antagonists. Injection of the GABA agonist muscimol (200 ng), into the rostral ventrolateral medulla of cats anesthetized with chloralose produced a precipitous and immediate fall in arterial pressure (-95 +/- 4.6) and heart rate (-31 +/- 5.9; n = 4, P less than 0.05). Maximal cardiovascular effects could only be achieved if muscimol was injected bilaterally. These effects of muscimol on arterial pressure were dose-dependent. Time-action curves for the effects of muscimol on arterial pressure and respiration were different. Hypotension occurred first and was followed later in time by a decrease in minute ventilation. Within 30 min all animals were apneic after the 200 ng dose. The cardiovascular effects of muscimol were reversed by the injection of the GABA receptor antagonist bicuculline. These data indicate that stimulation of GABA receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla produced selective cardiovascular effects and that respiratory neurons sensitive to GABA are apparently not localized with these cardiovascular neurons.