Serotonin receptors in the rat nucleus tractus solitarii and cardiovascular regulation

Stimulation of 5-HT2 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius enhances NMDA receptor-mediated reflex-evoked bradycardiac responses in the rat

The modulation by 5-HT2 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the reflex bradycardia evoked by stimulation of peripheral baroreceptors and cardiopulmonary chemoreceptors, and their possible functional interactions with local NMDA receptors, were investigated in pentobarbital- and urethane-anaesthetized rats, respectively. Microinjection of the 5-HT2 receptor agonist, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (0.1-0.5 pmol), into the nucleus tractus solitarius elicited a dose-dependent hypotension and bradycardia. Bilateral microinjections at the same site of a subthreshold dose of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (0.05 pmol) significantly enhanced the aforementioned reflex-evoked bradycardiac responses. In contrast, local bilateral microinjections of the NMDA receptor antagonist, 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (500 and 1000 pmol), reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, both reflex-evoked responses. The facilitatory effect of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine upon these reflex-evoked bradycardiac responses was prevented by prior local microinjection of low doses of either the selective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ketanserin (10 pmol), or 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (100 pmol), which, on their own, did not affect the reflex-associated bradycardia. These data suggest that 5-HT2 receptors within the nucleus tractus solitarius participate in a facilitatory modulation of the reflex control of heart rate, probably through functional interactions with local NMDA receptors.

Enhanced serotonin-mediated responses in the nucleus tractus solitarius of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Previous studies have demonstrated that injection of serotonin into the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) elicits hypotension and bradycardia in rats. The present study sought to further characterize this response and to examine the role of serotonergic mechanisms in the NTS in cardiovascular regulation in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. Injections of picomole amounts of serotonin into the NTS of chloralose-anesthetized normotensive Sprague-Dawley (S-D) or Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats produced hypotension and bradycardia that were eliminated by prior injection into the NTS of the selective 5HT(2) antagonist sarpogrelate. Bilateral injection of sarpogrelate did not alter blood pressure or reflex changes in heart rate in response to phenylephrine-induced increases in blood pressure or nitroprusside-induced decreases in blood pressure. In SHR rats, the depressor response produced by injection of serotonin into the NTS was markedly larger than in WKY rats, and was larger than depressor responses previously reported for other excitatory substances injected into the NTS. In SHR rats bilateral injection of sarpogrelate produced an increase in blood pressure, although it did not alter baroreceptor-evoked changes in heart rate. These results provide further support for the hypothesis that stimulation of 5HT(2) receptors in the NTS contributes to cardiovascular regulation independent of the baroreceptor reflex. Furthermore, this serotonergic system is altered in SHR rats, apparently acting tonically to reduce blood pressure.

Asymmetrical regulation of blood pressure in the rat medulla

The effects of microinjection of serotonin-1 (5-HT1) antagonist methiothepin and 5-HT1 agonist buspirone into the nucleus reticularis parvocellularis were investigated in the anaesthetized rats. Methiothepin produced an increase in arterial blood pressure when injected into the left side, but it did a decrease when injected into the right side. On the contrary, buspirone produced a decrease in arterial blood pressure when injected into the left side, but it did an increase when injected into the right side. These findings provide the clue to clarify that there is a reciprocal regulation of arterial blood pressure between the left and right sides in the rat medulla.

In vivo effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor activation on rat nucleus tractus solitarius neurones excited by vagal C-fibre afferents

The effects of ionophoretically applied 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-HT receptor agonists were studied on rat nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) neurones receiving unmyelinated vagal afferent input. 5-HT excited 15 of 34 neurones (44%), inhibited 10 (29%) and had no effect on nine. 8-Hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin HBr (8-OH-DPAT) excited 23 of 53 neurones (43%), inhibited 24 (45%) and had no effect on six neurones and (+/-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine HCl activated 18 of 37 neurones (49%), inhibited nine (24%) and had no effect on 10. These results demonstrate that activation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors can excite or inhibit populations of NTS neurones. Phenylbiguanide, however, excited 20 of 23 neurones (87%), inhibited only one (4%) and had no effect on two indicating that 5-HT3 receptor activation has an excitatory action. NTS neurones receiving cardiac vagal afferent input were more likely to be excited by 5-HT (five of five, 100%) or 8-OH-DPAT (four of five. 80%) than the population as a whole. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that 5-HT1A, 5-HT2, and 5-HT3 receptor subtypes are functionally present on NTS neurones receiving excitatory vagal afferent input. Further, the subpopulation of NTS neurones receiving input from cardiac afferents are excited by 5-HT, possibly by an action on 5-HT1A or 5-HT3 receptors.

Augmented release of serotonin by adenosine A2a receptor activation and desensitization by CGS 21680 in the rat nucleus tractus solitarius

Rat dorsomedial medullary brain segments containing primarily nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) were employed for slice superfusion studies of electrically evoked [3H]serotonin ([3H]5-HT) release. Individual slices loaded with [3H]5-HT were stimulated two times, S1 and S2, at 3 Hz, 25 mA, 2 ms pulses for 1 min. Control NTS slices had a S2/S1 ratio of 0.94 (+/- 0.02). Superfusion of tissue slices with 0.1 nM to 100 nM 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680), a selective adenosine A2a receptor agonist, for 5 min prior to the S2 stimulus produced a significant concentration-dependent increase in the S2/S1 fractional release ratio which was maximal (37.2% increase, P < 0.01) at 1.0 nM. However, superfusion of tissue slices with CGS 21680 over the same concentration range for 20 min prior to the S2 stimulus did not significantly alter the S2/S1 ratio from control release ratios. The augmented release of [3H]5-HT mediated by 1.0 nM CGS 21680 with 5 min tissue exposure was abolished by 1.0 nM 9-chloro-2-(2-furanyl)-5, 6-dihydro-[1,2,4]-triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolin-5-imine (CGS 15943) as well as by 100 nM 8-(3-chlorostyryl)caffeine (CSC), both A2a receptor antagonists, but not by 1.0 nM 8-cyclopentyl-1,3,-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), the A1 receptor antagonist. These results indicate that CGS 21680 augmented the evoked release of [3H]5-HT in the NTS by way of activation of presynaptic adenosine A2a receptors. It was also apparent that this population of adenosine A2a receptors in the NTS desensitized within 20 min since the augmenting action of CGS 21680 on evoked transmitter release was not evident at the longer time interval.

Neurochemical modulation of cardiovascular control in the nucleus tractus solitarius

The central control of cardiovascular function has been keenly studied for a number of decades. Of particular interest are the homeostatic control mechanisms, such as the baroreceptor heart-rate reflex, the chemoreceptor reflex, the Bezold-Jarisch reflex and the Breuer-Hering reflex. These neurally-mediated reflexes share a common termination point for their respective centrally-projecting sensory afferents, namely the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Thus, the NTS clearly plays a critical role in the integration of peripherally initiated sensory information regarding the status of blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory function. Many endogenous neurochemicals, from simple amino acids through biogenic amines to complex peptides have the ability to modulate blood pressure and heart rate at the level of the NTS. This review will attempt to collate the current knowledge regarding the roles of neuromodulators in the NTS, the receptor types involved in mediating observed responses and the degree of importance of such neurochemicals in the tonic regulation of the cardiovascular system. The neural pathway that controls the baroreceptor heart-rate reflex will be the main focus of attention, including discussion of the identity of the neurotransmitter(s) thought to act at baroafferent terminals within the NTS. In addition, this review will provide a timely update on the use of recently developed molecular biological techniques that have been employed in the study of the NTS, complementing more classical research.

Effects of serotonin-1 and serotonin-2 receptor agonists on neuronal activity in the nucleus tractus solitarius

Spontaneous neuronal activity in the solitary tract nucleus was recorded extracellularly in a brain slice preparation during bath-application of 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor-selective agonists and antagonists. The 5-HT1A/5-HT1B agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine depressed activity in 20 of 25 neurons studied. The remaining five neurons were unaffected. The 5-HT1A/5-HT1B antagonist pindolol prevented the 5-carboxamidotryptamine-induced changes, whereas the 5-HT1A antagonist spiroxatrine and the 5-HT2 antagonists ketanserin and mianserin were ineffective. Application of the 5-HT1/5-HT2 agonist alpha-methylserotonin depressed activity in 16 of 19 neurons, whereas the remaining three neurons were unresponsive. Pindolol blocked alpha-methylserotonin-induced changes of activity, but spiroxatrine, ketanserin and mianserin were ineffective. Finally, the 5-HT2 agonist DOI was applied to seven neurons. Six were unresponsive to DOI, and one responded with a depression of activity. These data provide electrophysiological evidence for the presence of 5-HT1 receptors in the nTS, presumably of the 5-HT1B subclass, but cast further doubt on the contribution of 5-HT2 and 5-HT1A receptors to the actions of serotonin in the nucleus.

5-Hydroxytryptamine3 receptor modulation of excitatory amino acid release in the rat nucleus tractus solitarius

In vivo microdialysis was employed to measure release of endogenous L-glutamate (GLU) and L-aspartate (ASP) in the medial nucleus tractus solitarius of urethane anaesthetised rats. Basal extracellular levels of these amino acids were stable following a 90 min equilibration period (6.3 +/- 0.24 and 3.4 +/- 0.6 pmol/20 microliters sample of GLU and ASP, respectively). Basal levels of endogenous extracellular GLU and ASP were increased over 2-fold and 3-fold, respectively, following local administration of the selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT3) receptor agonist phenylbiguanide (300 microM). Intracerebral administration of the selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (30 microM) blocked the effect of phenylbiguanide on GLU release whilst the effect on ASP was variable and complex. These data suggest that 5-HT3 receptor activation in the rat nucleus tractus solitarius can affect excitatory amino acid neurotransmission in this region of the medulla oblongata.

Presynaptic displacement of serotonin by alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat

Rat brain slices containing the nucleus tractus solitarius loaded with [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT) for superfusion were stimulated at (3 Hz, 25 mA, 1 min) resulting in fractional release ratios S2/S1 of 0.89 for [3H]5-HT in the presence of the serotonin uptake inhibitor 1.0 microM 6-nitroquipazine (6-NQ). alpha-Methylserotonin (alpha-Me-5-HT; 1.0 microM), a non-selective 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor agonist, significantly reduced the S2/S1 ratio of [3H]5-HT without affecting the basal release ratios B2/B1 1.00 +/- 0.04. Without 6-NQ in the perfusion medium 1.0 microM alpha-Me-5-HT sharply increased the basal release B2/B1 to 2.21 (P < 0.01). In low Ca2+ medium the S2/S1 ratio was reduced to 0.06 and alpha-Me-5-HT promoted a B2/B1 release of 2.17 (P < 0.01). The 5-HT3 antagonist LY-278,584 did not block alpha-Me-5-HT induced basal release of [3H]5-HT. Both pindolol and LY-53,857 blocked the autoinhibitory effects of alpha-Me-5-HT, but only LY-53,857 and 6-NQ blocked the basal release induced by alpha-Me-5-HT. These results suggest that alpha-Me-5-HT reduces neurotransmitter release through the serotonin autoreceptor and displaces serotonin through a non-exocytotic release mechanism.

Increased sympathetic nerve discharge without alteration in the sympathetic baroreflex response by serotonin3 receptor stimulation in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat

Previous studies have shown that serotonin3 receptor activation in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) and inhibited the cardiac component of the baroreceptor reflex [9]. We have examined the effects of such stimulation upon spontaneous and evoked sympathetic nerve activity. Microinjection of serotonin (10 nmol) into the NTS of halothane-anaesthetized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated rats produced an increase in MAP and lumbar sympathetic nerve discharge which could be completely prevented by prior local microinjection of zacopride, a potent serotonin3 antagonist (200 pmol). In addition, 1-(m-chlorophenyl)-biguanide, a selective serotonin3 receptor agonist, mimicked the sympathoexcitatory effect of serotonin. Since the gain of the sympathetic component of the baroreflex was unaltered after intra-NTS microinjection of serotonin, it could be concluded that serotonin3 receptors activation in the NTS induces a sympathetic activation which is not mediated through an inhibition of the sympathetic baroreceptor reflex arc.

Evidence against a hemodynamic role for serotonin in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus

This study was performed to investigate the potential role of serotonin (5-HT) in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (dmnX) in regulating peripheral hemodynamics. Microinjections (5 or 25 nmol in 50 nl) of the monoaminergic neurotransmitter were made into the dorsomedial medulla of the urethaneanesthetized rat during continuous recording of femoral arterial blood pressure. Heart rate was extracted electronically from the pressure waveform. Discrete injections of 5-HT placed directly in the dmnX were found to be entirely without effect on peripheral hemodynamics. In contrast, injections placed in the solitary tract nucleus, lying immediately above the dmnX, were found to have profound depressor and bradycardic effects, while the immediately subjacent hypoglossal nucleus appeared to contain both depressor and unresponsive sites. These findings cast doubt on the involvement of serotonin in the dmnX in the regulation of cardiovascular hemodynamics.

Electrophysiological effects of serotonin in the solitary tract nucleus of the rat

The nucleus tractus solitarius (nTS) is an important site for the integration of visceral information and its modification by afferent neural systems. One such afferent system arises from the raphe nuclei. This study investigated the electrophysiological effects of the primary transmitter of the raphe nuclei, serotonin (5-HT), on neurones in the nTS of the rat. Extracellular single unit recordings were made of the spontaneous activity of nTS neurones in isolated, superfused brainstem slices during bath-application of 5-HT (50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 nM). Twenty-seven of 46 neurones studied (approximately 59%) showed concentration-dependent decreases of firing rate, with a calculated EC50 of 261 nM. An additional 3 neurones displayed excitatory responses, while the remaining 16 were unaffected. The broad-spectrum 5-HT1 antagonist methysergide (200 nM) was highly effective in producing blockade of 5-HT-evoked depressions of neuronal activity (4 of 4), whereas the 5-HT1A receptor-selective antagonist spiroxatrine (5 nM) and the 5-HT2-selective antagonist mianserin (200 nM) were considerably less effective (1 of 5 and 2 of 5, respectively). Seven additional neurones were examined during exposure to the 5-HT1-selective agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) or the 5-HT2-selective agonist DOI. 5-CT depressed the activity of three of the four neurones tested, the remaining neurone being unresponsive at concentrations up to 50 nM. DOI at concentrations up to 100 nM failed to affect the activity of two of the three neurones tested, and depressed the activity of the third at a concentration of 50 nM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mixed fluoxetine/loxapine overdose and atrial flutter

A 19-year-old man who attempted suicide by ingesting approximately 600 mg fluoxetine (Prozac) and 140 mg loxapine (Loxitane) had two episodes of atrial flutter shortly thereafter. Admission serum fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, and loxapine levels were 1,053 ng/mL, 702 ng/mL, and 40 ng/mL, respectively. This case of atrial flutter in association with an overdose of either of these drugs demonstrates the potential for cardiotoxicity with these agents in the overdose setting. Theoretical mechanisms of cardiotoxicity are presented.

Central distribution of substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide and 5-hydroxytryptamine in vagal sensory afferents in the rat dorsal medulla

The central distribution of vagal afferents in the medulla containing either substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide or 5-hydroxytryptamine was examined using a double-labelling technique and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Areas of the nucleus tractus solitarii, dorsal motonucleus of the vagus nerve and area postrema were scanned for double-labelled axon profiles. Analysis of this material revealed that all three neurochemicals were contained within the central terminals of vagal nerve sensory neurons. However, the distribution of vagal nerve afferents containing each of these putative transmitters differed. Afferents containing 5-hydroxytryptamine were detected mainly in the areas postrema and the adjacent nucleus tractus solitarii, with a smaller number in the ventral subnuclei of the solitary tract. In contrast afferents containing calcitonin gene-related peptide were found primarily in the medial and commissural regions of the nucleus tractus solitarii. Afferents containing substance P-immunoreactivity were surprisingly few in number and did not appear to be associated with any particular region. These results establish the presence of 5-hydroxytryptamine, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in the central axons of vagal sensory afferents. Furthermore, the differential distribution of afferents immunoreactive for these neurochemicals seen in this study, together with previous demonstrations of the viscerotopic organization of vagal sensory afferents suggests a possible "chemical coding" for individual end organs.

Role of the nucleus tractus solitarii and the rostral depressive area in the sympatholytic effect of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin in the cat

Bilateral microinjections of kainic acid (500 ng/site) into the nucleus tractus solitarii produced hypertension, tachycardia and sympatho-excitation in anesthetized cats. The cardiac-related component of renal sympathetic nerve activity was abolished as well as the sympatho-inhibitory effects that accompany the phenylephrine (5-10 micrograms/kg i.v.)-induced hypertension. About 60 min after kainic acid microinjections into the nucleus tractus solitarii, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) administered in cumulative doses (1-100 micrograms/kg i.v.) failed to alter mean blood pressure, heart rate or renal sympathetic nerve activity. In addition, bilateral microinjections of 8-OH-DPAT (2 nmol in 40 nl) into the nucleus tractus solitarii did not change mean blood pressure, heart rate or renal sympathetic nerve activity. Microinjections of kainic acid into the rostral vasodepressive area produced hypotension, bradycardia and renal sympatho-inhibition followed by persistent increases in blood pressure, heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity. These effects were also associated with an inhibition of the baroreceptor reflex elicited by phenylephrine and by the disappearance of the synchronism between the renal sympathetic bursts and cardiac rhythm. Subsequent i.v. 8-OH-DPAT (1-100 micrograms/kg) elicited decreases in mean blood pressure, heart rate and in renal sympathetic nerve activity. Central baroreceptor denervation by kainic acid lesions of the lateral tegmental field largely attenuated the hypotensive, bradycardiac and sympatho-inhibitory effects elicited by 8-OH-DPAT applied to the ventral surface of the rostral ventrolateral medulla.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A study of effects of putative neurotransmitters injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle of man

1. The study was carried out in adult patients having normal cardiovascular reflexes and no brain stem lesions. They were exposed to ambient temperature of 72-74 degrees F. Injections of agonists and antagonists of receptors were made into the lateral cerebral ventricles of these patients through diagnostic burr hole in the skull. 2. Noradrenaline, adrenaline and dopamine evoked hypotension and bradycardia. While the core temperature was reduced by nor-adrenaline and adrenaline, dopamine evoked hyperthermia. Isoprenaline elicited hypertension, tachycardia and hyperthermia. Opposite cardiovascular and thermal effects were observed with blockade of alpha 1-, beta-and dopamine receptors with prazosin, propranolol and haloperidol respectively. 3. Injection of 5-hydroxytryptamine resulted in hypertension, tachycardia and hyperthermia but hypotension, bradycardia and hypothermia were seen with methysergide. 4. Similarly, carbachol injection caused initial excitatory followed by inhibitory cardiovascular responses. These were associated with hypothermia. On the contrary atropine per se elicited hypertension, tachycardia and hyperthermia. 5. Thus, alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptors, dopaminergic, serotonergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors are present in human brain which appear to modulate cardiovascular activity and core temperature.

5-Hydroxytryptamine-3 receptors modulate synaptic activity in the rat nucleus tractus solitarius in vitro

Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were made from neurons in the rat nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in transverse brainstem slices. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 100 microM) and the selective 5-HT3 receptor agonist 2-methyl-5-HT (2-CH3-5-HT, 100 microM) depolarized 86% of NTS neurons at resting membrane potential (Vm). This response was resistant to tetrodotoxin (TTX) and Co2+ application. In addition, 2-CH3-5-HT (500 nM-100 microM) increased the amplitude and frequency of both excitatory and inhibitory spontaneous synaptic potentials. This effect was also TTX-resistant, but was abolished by Co2+. The effects of 2-CH3-5-HT on EPSPs and IPSPs evoked by electrical stimulation of the tractus solitarius (TS) were analyzed separately in the presence of bicuculline or 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), respectively. Concentrations of 2-CH3-5-HT between 500 nM and 1 microM decreased the amplitude of evoked EPSPs and IPSPs with similar potency. The selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonists ICS 205-930 (10 nM) and MDL 72222 (10 microM) reversibly blocked the effects of 2-CH3-5-HT at all doses examined. It is concluded that 5-HT3 receptors can mediate both pre- and postsynaptic responses in the NTS.

Baroreceptor reflex inhibition induced by the stimulation of serotonin3 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat

Previous studies suggested that in the nucleus tractus solitarius, cardiovascular responses to serotonin may involve the simultaneous activation of more than one receptor subtype. In the present study, the cardiovascular effects of the local application of serotonin and different serotonin3 agonists and antagonists into the nucleus tractus solitarius were analysed in intact and unilaterally ganglionectomized rats. Unilateral injections of serotonin (5-15 nmol) produced a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure and partially antagonized the arterial baroreflex responses evoked by an i.v. injection of phenylephrine. Similar blood pressures response were obtained after unilateral microinjections of phenylbiguanide (5 nmol) and 2-methyl-serotonin (5 nmol), two serotonin3 receptor agonists. Bilateral microinjections of serotonin or phenylbiguanide produced more pronounced blood pressure effects and antagonized completely the baroreflex responses. Both blood pressure and baroreflex effects were antagonized by prior injections of specific serotonin3 antagonists such as zacopride (100 pmol) and ondansetron (100 pmol). Concomitant autoradiographic studies performed in intact and ganglionectomized rats, using [125I]iodozacopride, confirmed that serotonin3 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius are mainly located on vagal afferent fibers. In addition, serotonin microinjections made in the nucleus tractus solitarius ipsilateral to the ganglionectomy revealed a significant reduction in cardiovascular responses compared to intact animals. These results suggest that in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat, serotonin is involved in the reflex regulation of blood pressure through the stimulation of serotonin3 receptors presumably located on vagal afferent fibers. Since bicuculline antagonized the serotonin-mediated pressor responses, a serotonin3-dependent activation of an inhibitory GABAergic system within the nucleus tractus solitarius might be involved in blood pressure regulatory mechanisms.

5-HT2 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius: characterisation and role in cardiovascular regulation in the rat

The effects of the local application of drugs acting on 5-HT2 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) on the heart rate and blood pressure were investigated in normal and nodose ganglionectomized anaesthetized rats. The unilateral micro-injection of an agonist such as 2,5-dimethoxy-3-bromo-amphetamine (DOB) (0.1-0.5 pmol) or 2,5-dimethoxy-3-nitroamphetamine (DON) (0.1-0.5 pmol) produced a dose-dependent hypotension and bradycardia in both intact and ganglionectomized animals. These cardiovascular effects were similar to those observed after the unilateral micro-injection of low doses (pmol) of 5-HT, and could be prevented by the prior micro-injections of the 5-HT2 antagonists ketanserin, ritanserin and piremperone. These findings support the hypothesis that 5-HT2 receptors within the NTS play a role in the reflex regulation of blood pressure. In addition, it was also observed that the micro-injection of subthreshold doses of 5-HT or DOB significantly enhanced the hypotension and bradycardia produced by the unilateral micro-injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). The potentiation of NMDA depressor effects by 5-HT or DOB could be totally prevented by ketanserin or piremperone, suggesting that 5-HT acting upon 5-HT2 receptors in the NTS may intervene in the reflex control of blood pressure by modulating the glutamatergic transmission.

Cardiovascular effects of microinjections of quipazine into nuclei of the medulla oblongata in anaesthetized cats: comparison with L-glutamate

Unilateral microinjections of quipazine (0.9 micrograms in 50 nl) into the subretrofacial nucleus produced hypertension and a slight tachycardia associated with an increase in renal sympathetic nerve activity. Microinjections of quipazine lateral, caudal or rostral to this nucleus failed to alter blood pressure and heart rate. Similarly, microinjections of l-glutamate (3 nmol in 15 nl) into the subretrofacial nucleus elicited hypertension, tachycardia and renal sympatho-excitation. The magnitude of the pressor response to quipazine was smaller than the response elicited by l-glutamate but its duration was longer. Microinjections of quipazine into the lateral tegmental field at l-glutamate hypertensive sites failed to alter arterial blood pressure and heart rate. In contrast, microinjections of quipazine into the caudal ventrolateral medulla or into the nucleus tractus solitarii produced hypotension and sympatho-inhibition. These effects were prevented by microinjections of the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists, LY 53857 or BW 501C. The present results indicate that stimulation of 5-HT2 receptors of the subretrofacial nucleus produces hypertension and sympatho-excitation whereas stimulation of 5-HT2 receptors in the caudal ventrolateral medulla and in the nucleus tractus solitarii produces hypotension and sympatho-inhibition.

Centrally coinjected galanin and a 5-HT1A agonist act synergistically to produce vasodepressor responses in the rat

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible functional implications of the previously demonstrated in vitro interactions between galanin and 5-HT1A receptors. To this end we analysed the interactions between galanin and the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) in central cardiovascular regulation. 8-OH-DPAT given intracisternally (i.c.) produced a dose-dependent reduction of blood pressure, the peak action being 32% at 10 nmol of 8-OH-DPAT. Heart rate and respiration rate were not affected. The vasodepressor action of 8-OH-DPAT was counteracted by the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4-(2-phthalimido)butyl]piperazine (NAN-190). A threshold dose (1 nmol) of galanin given i.c. was shown to enhance the vasodepressor effect of both an ED50 dose and a threshold dose of 8-OH-DPAT. Quantitative receptor autoradiography showed that the IC50 values for [125I]galanin binding sites were reduced in the presence of 8-OH-DPAT (10 nM) by approximately 40% in the dorsal region of the nucleus of the solitary tract, the area postrema, and the raphe pallidus and obscurus nuclei. Galanin (10 nM) also significantly increased the IC50 value for [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding sites within the nucleus of the solitary tract. The results provide evidence for a synergistic interaction between 8-OH-DPAT and galanin in cardiovascular regulation after their central administration, an interaction possibly related to the ability of 8-OH-DPAT to enhance the affinity of the galanin receptor within regions of the medulla oblongata involved in cardiovascular control.

Cardiovascular effects of the local injection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine into the nodose ganglia and nucleus tractus solitarius in awake freely moving rats

The role of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) serotonergic afferents in cardiovascular (CV) regulation is yet to be established. However, several findings suggest that in this nucleus the serotonergic endings coming from the nodose ganglia (NG) are involved in the control of blood pressure (BP). The purpose of the present study was to identify the CV effects of the destruction of this NG-NTS serotonergic pathway. For that, the BP, BP variability (BPV) and heart rate (HR) effects of the local microinjection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT), into the NG and NTS were investigated in awake freely moving rats. The local degeneration of serotonergic elements was associated with a significant decrease in the 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid levels within the NG and NTS in 5,7-DHT treated rats. In addition, the microinjection of the neurotoxin in both structures produced a transient and significant increase in BP. This effect was of greater amplitude and associated with an increase in BPV in NG lesioned rats. These results may indicate that the NG-NTS serotonergic pathway participates in the transfer of the messages arising from the aortic baroreceptors. However, the vagal component of the baroreflex assessed with the phenylephrine test was not significantly modified in NG lesioned animals as compared to controls. Consequently, if the present data suggest that the NG-NTS serotonergic pathway plays a depressor role in BP regulation, its involvement in the reflex CV responses triggered by the stimulation of the aortic baroreceptors has yet to be established.

Serotonergic projections from the nodose ganglia to the nucleus tractus solitarius: an immunohistochemical and double labeling study in the rat

Possible projections of serotonin (5-HT)-immunoreactive neurons in the nodose ganglia (NG) to the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) were investigated in the rat using a double labeling method combining retrograde transport and 5-HT immunohistochemistry. After injection of a complex of colloidal gold-apo-horseradish peroxidase into the medio-caudal and commissural parts of the NTS, most of the 5-HT-immunoreactive neurons were found to be labelled by the gold complex. The present study provides direct evidence for the existence, in the rat, of a serotonergic NG-NTS system. This system may be involved in the regulation of blood pressure and vigilance states.

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)

Cardiovascular changes induced by the local application of glutamate-related drugs in the rat nucleus tractus solitarii

The effects of the local application of drugs acting on glutamatergic receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) were investigated in anesthetized rats. Unilateral microinjection of agonists (L-glutamate, L-aspartate, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quisqualate) produced a dose-dependent hypotension and bradycardia. The effects of NMDA were prevented by low doses of the selective NMDA-receptor antagonist, 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (2-APV), or by the mixed NMDA/kainate antagonist, gamma-D-glutamylglycine. The response to all agonists and the bradycardia which was elicited in response to the intravenous administration of phenylephrine (vagal reflex response) could be prevented by the local microinjection of the glutamate antagonists kynurenic acid (3 nmol) and 2-APV (10 nmol) into the NTS. The present data suggest that in the NTS, NMDA and quisqualate receptors are implicated in blood pressure reflex regulation.

Substance P and serotonin mutually reverse their excitatory effects in the rat nucleus tractus solitarius

Actions and interactions of serotonin and substance P are described in the nucleus tractus solitarius using coronal brainstem slices and intracellular recordings. Substance P (10-100 nM) and serotonin (10-100 microM) applied alone were excitatory, causing depolarization and increasing the input resistance. Reversing effect was obtained using a protocol of long (greater than 5 min) conditioning applications of substance P and shorter (20-60 s) test applications of serotonin: serotonin, which was excitatory by itself during controls, became inhibitory for the steady action potential discharges induced by conditioning substance P applications. In the reverse situation, inhibition was also obtained using prolonged conditioning exposures to serotonin and test applications of substance P. Prolonged conditioning applications (greater than 5 min) were required in these experiments since addition or potentiation, but not inhibition, was found when combining 20-60 s substance P and serotonin applications. In addition to their excitatory effects, substance P and serotonin, applied alone, had another mechanism of action. They reduced the duration of tetraethylammonium-prolonged action potentials. This mechanism was also reversed using conditioning applications of substance P or serotonin. Thus, reversing effects appeared simultaneously on multiple ionic mechanisms. Furthermore, the reversing effect was unaffected in tetrodotoxin-treated preparations, which indicates a postsynaptic phenomenon. Consequently, the control of two different postsynaptic ionic mechanisms during substance P and serotonin interaction suggests that the underlying mechanisms take place at a common level, possibly in relation to second messenger processes. From a functional point of view, these results support the idea that in the nucleus tractus solitarius the effects of either neurotransmitter, serotonin or substance P, can be completely reversed by a previous release of the other one.

Neural mechanisms of swallowing: neurophysiological and neurochemical studies on brain stem neurons in the solitary tract region

Neurophysiological studies of the nuclei of the tractus solitarius (NTS) and adjacent regions have provided a partial understanding of the integrative brainstem network underlying swallowing and related functions such as respiration. The NTS is also richly endowed with an abundance of neuropeptides and other neuroactive substances, but only limited information is available on their influences on neurons involved specifically in swallowing. Since dysfunction of these neurophysiological and neurochemical regulatory mechanisms in the NTS region may be important in pathophysiological conditions such as dysphagia, increased awareness of and focus on these mechanisms are warranted. This paper outlines recent neurophysiological and neurochemical data that provide information on the afferent inputs and neurophysiological properties of neurons in NTS and adjacent caudal brainstem regions implicated in swallowing, respiration, and respiratory-related reflexes.

Ventrolateral medullary pressor area: site of hypotensive and sympatho-inhibitory effects of (+/-)8-OH-DPAT in anaesthetized dogs

Injections of 8-OH-DPAT (0.1-6 micrograms/kg) into the vertebral artery or into the cisterna magna (5 micrograms/kg) produced a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity in intact anaesthetized dogs and baroreceptor-denervated dogs. 8-OH-DPAT reduced the renal sympathetic nerve activity without changing the blood pressure or heart rate in catecholamine-depleted animals. Methiothepin (0.2 mg/kg) injected into the vertebral artery reduced the blood pressure without changing the heart rate or renal sympathetic nerve activity in baroreceptor-denervated dogs. The pressor response to i.v. phenylephrine was largely attenuated. Subsequent administration of 8-OH-DPAT (3 micrograms/kg) into the vertebral artery failed to alter the sympathetic discharge. Methiothepin (0.2 mg/kg) injected into the vertebral artery reversed the sympatho-inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT (3 micrograms/kg) injected by the same route without changing the blood pressure. (+/-)Pindolol (0.2 mg/kg) injected into the vertebral artery of baroreceptor-denervated dogs reduced the blood pressure and heart rate without changing renal sympathetic activity. Subsequent administration of 8-OH-DPAT (3 micrograms/kg) failed to alter the sympathetic discharge. Bilateral microinjection of 8-OH-DPAT (1 microgram) into the nucleus tractus solitarii or into the medullary raphe nuclei failed to alter the blood pressure, heart rate or renal sympathetic activity. In contrast, bilateral microinjections of 8-OH-DPAT into the ventrolateral pressor area (VLPA) (0.2 microgram) produced a marked decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity. These effects were prevented or reversed by microinjections of methiothepin (10 micrograms) at the same sites. These results indicate that the central sympatho-inhibitory effects of 8-OH-DPAT were due to the stimulation of 5-HT1A receptors located in the ventrolateral pressor area. 5-HT autoreceptors did not seem to be involved.

Increase in paradoxical sleep after destruction of serotoninergic innervation in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat

The evolution of paradoxical sleep, slow-wave sleep and arterial pressure was studied following microinjection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine in the nucleus tractus solitarius in rats. The extent of the lesions was assessed using immunohistochemistry for serotonin. Global lesions of serotoninergic nerve terminals of the intermediate and commissural regions of the nucleus produced an important and long-lasting increase in paradoxical sleep (+50-70%), a decrease in slow-wave sleep (-20%) and a moderate increase of arterial pressure during all states of the sleep-wake cycle. In addition, more discrete lesions indicated that only the lesion of the area near the obex produced the longer term increase of paradoxical sleep whereas only the lesion of the commissural region of the nucleus produced the long-term decrease of slow-wave sleep. These data demonstrate that serotoninergic projections to the nucleus tractus solitarius exert a regulatory influence upon the specific mechanisms responsible for paradoxical sleep and slow-wave sleep in rats. Furthermore, they suggest that serotonin within the nucleus tractus solitarius plays an important role in the homeostatic cardiovascular and sleep-wake-cycle regulation in rats.