The subfornical organ

Capillary connections between sensory circumventricular organs and adjacent parenchyma enable local volume transmission

Among contributors to diffusible signaling are portal systems which join two capillary beds through connecting veins (Dorland 2020). Portal systems allow diffusible signals to be transported in high concentrations directly from one capillary bed to the other without dilution in the systemic circulation. Two portal systems have been identified in the brain. The first was discovered almost a century ago and connects the median eminence to the anterior pituitary gland (Popa & Fielding 1930). The second was discovered a few years ago, and links the suprachiasmatic nucleus to the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, a sensory circumventricular organ (CVO) (Yao et al. 2021). Sensory CVOs bear neuronal receptors for sensing signals in the fluid milieu (McKinley et al. 2003). They line the surface of brain ventricles and bear fenestrated capillaries, thereby lacking blood brain barriers. It is not known whether the other sensory CVOs, namely the subfornical organ (SFO), and area postrema (AP) form portal neurovascular connections with nearby parenchymal tissue. This has been difficult to establish as the structures lie at the midline and protrude into the ventricular space. To preserve the integrity of the vasculature of CVOs and their adjacent neuropil, we combined iDISCO clearing and light-sheet microscopy to acquire volumetric images of blood vessels. The results indicate that there is a portal pathway linking the capillary vessels of the SFO and the posterior septal nuclei, namely the septofimbrial nucleus and the triangular nucleus of the septum. Unlike the latter arrangement, the AP and the nucleus of the solitary tract share their capillary beds. Taken together, the results reveal that all three sensory circumventricular organs bear specialized capillary connections to adjacent neuropil, providing a direct route for diffusible signals to travel from their source to their targets.

The subfornical organ and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis: Critical roles in cardiovascular regulation and the control of fluid balance

In this chapter, we review the extensive literature describing the roles of the subfornical organ (SFO), the organum vasculosum of the terminalis (OVLT), and the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO), comprising the lamina terminalis, in cardiovascular regulation and the control of fluid balance. We present this information in the context of both historical and technological developments which can effectively be overlaid upon each other. We describe intrinsic anatomy and connectivity and then discuss early work which described how circulating angiotensin II acts at the SFO to stimulate drinking and increase blood pressure. Extensive studies using direct administration and lesion approaches to highlight the roles of all regions of the lamina terminalis are then discussed. At the cellular level we describe c-Fos and electrophysiological work, which has highlighted an extensive group of circulating hormones which appear to influence the activity of specific neurons in the SFO, OVLT, and MnPO. We highlight optogenetic studies that have begun to unravel the complexities of circuitries underlying physiological outcomes, especially those related to different components of drinking. Finally, we describe the somewhat limited human literature supporting conclusions that these structures play similar and potentially important roles in human physiology.

Blocking properties of terguride at the 5-HT2 receptor subtypes mediating cardiovascular responses in the rat

In vitro studies have suggested that terguride blocks the contractile and relaxant responses produced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) via 5-HT_2A/2B receptors. This study has now investigated terguride's blocking properties on central/peripheral 5-HT₂ receptors in anaesthetized or pithed rats. Male Wistar anaesthetized/pithed rats were cannulated for recording blood pressure and heart rate and for i.v. administration of several compounds. In both groups of rats, i.v. bolus injections of 5-HT or (±)-DOI (a 5-HT₂ receptor agonist; 1-1000 μg/kg) produced dose-dependent increases in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. These responses were dose-dependently antagonized by terguride (10-3000 μg/kg). In anaesthetized rats, i.v. bolus injections of BW723C86 (a 5-HT_2B receptor agonist; 1-1000 μg/kg) produced dose-dependent increases in diastolic blood pressure and not dose-dependent increases in heart rate, while in pithed rats, these responses were attenuated. The vasopressor responses elicited by BW723C86 in anaesthetized rats were dose-dependently blocked by terguride (10-300 μg/kg), whereas its the tachycardic responses were dose-independently blocked. These results, taken together, suggest that terguride behaved as an antagonist at the 5-HT₂ receptors located in the central nervous system and (or) the systemic vasculature. This is the first evidence demonstrating that terguride can block central/peripheral 5-HT₂ receptors mediating cardiovascular responses in anaesthetized or pithed rats.

Ionic mechanisms underlying tonic and burst firing behavior in subfornical organ neurons: a combined experimental and modeling study

Subfornical organ (SFO) neurons exhibit heterogeneity in current expression and spiking behavior, where the two major spiking phenotypes appear as tonic and burst firing. Insight into the mechanisms behind this heterogeneity is critical for understanding how the SFO, a sensory circumventricular organ, integrates and selectively influences physiological function. To integrate efficient methods for studying this heterogeneity, we built a single-compartment, Hodgkin-Huxley-type model of an SFO neuron that is parameterized by SFO-specific in vitro patch-clamp data. The model accounts for the membrane potential distribution and spike train variability of both tonic and burst firing SFO neurons. Analysis of model dynamics confirms that a persistent Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ currents are required for burst initiation and maintenance and suggests that a slow-activating K⁺ current may be responsible for burst termination in SFO neurons. Additionally, the model suggests that heterogeneity in current expression and subsequent influence on spike afterpotential underlie the behavioral differences between tonic and burst firing SFO neurons. Future use of this model in coordination with single neuron patch-clamp electrophysiology provides a platform for explaining and predicting the response of SFO neurons to various combinations of circulating signals, thus elucidating the mechanisms underlying physiological signal integration within the SFO. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our understanding of how the subfornical organ (SFO) selectively influences autonomic nervous system function remains incomplete but theoretically results from the electrical responses of SFO neurons to physiologically important signals. We have built a computational model of SFO neurons, derived from and supported by experimental data, which explains how SFO neurons produce different electrical patterns. The model provides an efficient system to theoretically and experimentally explore how changes in the essential features of SFO neurons affect their electrical activity.

Neurohumoral Integration of Cardiovascular Function by the Lamina Terminalis

The mechanisms involved in cardiovascular regulation, such as vascular tone, fluid volume and blood osmolarity, are quite often mediated by signals circulating in the periphery, such as angiotensin II and sodium concentration. Research has identified areas within the lamina terminalis (LT), specifically the sensory circumventricular organs (CVOs), the subfornical organ and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, as playing crucial roles detecting and integrating information derived from these circulating signals. The median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) is a third integrative structure within the LT that influences cardiovascular homeostasis, although to date, its role is not as clearly elucidated. More recent studies have demonstrated that the CVOs are not only essential in the detection of traditional cardiovascular signals but also signals primarily considered to be important in the regulation of metabolic, reproductive and inflammatory processes that have now also been implicated in cardiovascular regulation. In this review, we highlight the critical roles played by the LT in the detection and integration of circulating signals that provide critical feedback control information contributing to cardiovascular regulation.

Nonlesions, unusual cell types, and postmortem artifacts in the central nervous system of domestic animals

In the central nervous system (CNS) of domestic animals, numerous specialized normal structures, unusual cell types, findings of uncertain or no significance, artifacts, and various postmortem alterations can be observed. They may cause confusion for inexperienced pathologists and those not specialized in neuropathology, leading to misinterpretations and wrong diagnoses. Alternatively, changes may mask underlying neuropathological processes. "Specialized structures" comprising the hippocampus and the circumventricular organs, including the vascular organ of the lamina terminalis, subfornical organ, subcommissural organ, pineal gland, median eminence/neurohypophyseal complex, choroid plexus, and area postrema, are displayed. Unusual cell types, including cerebellar external germinal cells, CNS progenitor cells, and Kolmer cells, are presented. In addition, some newly recognized cell types as of yet incompletely understood significance and functionality, such as synantocytes and aldynoglia, are introduced and described. Unusual reactive astrocytes in cats, central chromatolysis, neuronal vacuolation, spheroids, spongiosis, satellitosis, melanosis, neuromelanin, lipofuscin, polyglucosan bodies, and psammoma bodies may represent incidental findings of uncertain or no significance and should not be confused with significant microscopic changes. Auto- and heterolysis as well as handling and histotechnological processing may cause postmortem morphological changes of the CNS, including vacuolization, cerebellar conglutination, dark neurons, Buscaino bodies, freezing, and shrinkage artifacts, all of which have to be differentiated from genuine lesions. Postmortem invasion of micro-organisms should not be confused with intravital infections. Awareness of these different changes and their recognition are a prerequisite for identifying genuine lesions and may help to formulate a professional morphological and etiological diagnosis.

Angiotensin-II-induced reactive oxygen species along the SFO-PVN-RVLM pathway: implications in neurogenic hypertension

Neurogenic hypertension has been the subject of extensive research worldwide. This review is based on the premise that some forms of neurogenic hypertension are caused in part by the formation of angiotensin-II (Ang-II)-induced reactive oxygen species along the subfornical organ-paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus-rostral ventrolateral medulla pathway (SFO-PVN-RVLM pathway). We will discuss the recent contribution of our laboratory and others regarding the mechanisms by which neurons in the SFO (an important circumventricular organ) are activated by Ang-II, how the SFO communicates with two other important areas involved in sympathetic activity regulation (PVN and RVLM) and how Ang-II-induced reactive oxygen species participate along the SFO-PVN-RVLM pathway in the pathogenesis of neurogenic hypertension.

Sensory circumventricular organs in health and disease

Circumventricular organs (CVOs) are specialized brain structures located around the third and fourth ventricles. They differ from the rest of the brain parenchyma in that they are highly vascularised areas that lack a blood-brain barrier. These neurohaemal organs are classified as "sensory", when they contain neurons that can receive chemical inputs from the bloodstream. This review focuses on the sensory CVOs to describe their unique structure, and their functional roles in the maintenance of body fluid homeostasis and cardiovascular regulation, and in the generation of central acute immune and febrile responses. In doing so, the main neural connections to visceral regulatory centres such as the hypothalamus, the medulla oblongata and the endocrine hypothalamic-pituitary axis, as well as some of the relevant chemical substances involved, are described. The CVOs are vulnerable to circulating pathogens and can be portals for their entry in the brain. This review highlights recent investigations that show that the CVOs and related structures are involved in pathological conditions such as sepsis, stress, trypanosomiasis, autoimmune encephalitis, systemic amyloidosis and prion infections, while detailed information on their role in other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis is lacking. It is concluded that studies of the CVOs and related structures may help in the early diagnosis and treatment of such disorders.

Region-specific projections from the subfornical organ to the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus in the rat

Neurons in the subfornical organ (SFO) project to the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) and there, in response to osmolar and blood pressure changes, regulate vasopressin neurons in the magnocellular part (mPVN) or neurons in the parvocellular part (pPVN) projecting to the cardiovascular center. The SFO is functionally classified in two parts, the dorsolateral peripheral (pSFO) and ventromedial core parts (cSFO). We investigated the possibility that neurons in each part of the SFO project region-specifically to each part of the PVN, using anterograde and retrograde tracing methods. Following injection of an anterograde tracer, biotinylated dextran amine (BDX) in the SFO, the respective numbers of BDX-uptake neurons in the pSFO and cSFO were counted and the ratio of the former to the latter was obtained. In addition, the respective areas occupied by BDX-labeled axons per unit area of the mPVN and pPVN were measured and the ratio of the former to the latter was obtained. Similarly, following injection of the retrograde tracer in the PVN, the respective areas occupied by tracer per unit area of the mPVN and pPVN were measured and the ratio of the former to the latter was obtained. The respective numbers of retrogradely labeled neurons in the pSFO and cSFO were also counted and the ratio of the former to the latter was obtained. It became clear by statistical analyses that there are strong positive correlations between the ratio of BDX-uptake neuron number in the SFO and the ratio of BDX-axon area in the PVN in anterograde experiment (correlation coefficient: 0.787) and between the ratio of retrograde neuron number in the SFO and the ratio of tracer area in the PVN in retrograde experiment (correlation coefficient: 0.929). The result suggests that the SFO projects region-specifically to the PVN, the pSFO to the mPVN and the cSFO to the pPVN.

Circulating signals as critical regulators of autonomic state--central roles for the subfornical organ

To maintain homeostasis autonomic control centers in the hypothalamus and medulla must respond appropriately to both external and internal stimuli. Although protected behind the blood-brain barrier, neurons in these autonomic control centers are known to be influenced by changing levels of important signaling molecules in the systemic circulation (e.g., osmolarity, glucose concentrations, and regulatory peptides). The subfornical organ belongs to a group of specialized central nervous system structures, the circumventricular organs, which are characterized by the lack of the normal blood-brain barrier, such that circulating lipophobic substances may act on neurons within this region and via well-documented efferent neural projections to hypothalamic autonomic control centers, influence autonomic function. This review focuses on the role of the subfornical organ in sensing peripheral signals and transmitting this information to autonomic control centers in the hypothalamus.

The circumventricular organs: an atlas of comparative anatomy and vascularization

The circumventricular organs are small sized structures lining the cavity of the third ventricle (neurohypophysis, vascular organ of the lamina terminalis, subfornical organ, pineal gland and subcommissural organ) and of the fourth ventricle (area postrema). Their particular location in relation to the ventricular cavities is to be noted: the subfornical organ, the subcommissural organ and the area postrema are situated at the confluence between ventricles while the neurohypophysis, the vascular organ of the lamina terminalis and the pineal gland line ventricular recesses. The main object of this work is to study the specific characteristics of the vascular architecture of these organs: their capillaries have a wall devoid of blood-brain barrier, as opposed to central capillaries. This particular arrangement allows direct exchange between the blood and the nervous tissue of these organs. This work is based on a unique set of histological preparations from 12 species of mammals and 5 species of birds, and is taking the form of an atlas.

Peptidergic and catecholaminergic synaptic contacts onto nucleus preopticus medianus neurons projecting to the subfornical organ in the rat

The nucleus preopticus medianus (POMe) is known to be a key site in regulation of cardiovascular and body fluid homeostasis. To clarify the regulation mechanism to the POMe, the innervation pattern of synapses made by axon terminals immunoreactive to beta-endorphin, neuropeptide Y and tyrosine hydroxylase onto POMe neurons projecting to the subfornical organ (SFO) was investigated in the rat. After injection of a retrograde tracer, wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase-colloidal gold complex, into the SFO, many neurons were retrogradely labeled in the POMe, more frequently in its dorsal part. Electron microscopy of the POMe revealed that beta-endorphin- and tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive axon terminals formed predominantly axo-somatic synapses, and neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive axon terminals formed more axo-dendritic than axo-somatic synapses with retrogradely labeled neurons. The present localization patterns of POMe neurons retrogradely labeled from the SFO and the type of synapses of axon terminals immunoreactive to three neurochemical markers on these neurons were compared to those of POMe neurons retrogradely labeled from the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus demonstrated in our previous report.

Diversity of the muscarinic and nicotinic responses of subfornical organ neurons in rat slice preparations

Recently we found that subfornical organ (SFO) neurons were activated through nicotinic receptors as well as muscarinc. In this study, the preferential responses of single SFO neurons to both muscarine and nicotine were examined by using rat slice preparations, and current and voltage clamp recordings. When the amplitudes of the depolarizations and inward currents by muscarine and nicotine in single SFO neurons were compared, some neurons showed a higher sensitivity to muscarine than to nicotine while others showed vice versa. These data indicate that acetylcholine activates SFO neurons preferentially through either muscarinic or nicotinic receptors and suggest a diversity of cholinergic responses in the SFO.

Water metabolism in the eel acclimated to sea water: from mouth to intestine

Eels seem to be a suitable model system for analysing regulatory mechanisms of drinking behavior in vertebrates, since most dipsogens and antidipsogens in mammals influence the drinking rate in the seawater eels similarly. The drinking behavior in fishes consists of swallowing alone, since they live in water and water is constantly held in the mouth for respiration. Therefore, contraction of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) muscle limits the drinking rate in fishes. The UES of the eel was innervated by the glossopharyngeal-vagal motor complex (GVC) in the medulla oblongata (MO). The GVC neurons were immunoreactive to an antibody raised against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), an acetylcholine (ACh) synthesizing enzyme, indicating that the eel UES muscle is controlled cholinergically by the GVC. The neuronal activity of the GVC was inhibited by adrenaline or dopamine, suggesting catecholaminergic innervation to the GVC. The AP and the commissural nucleus of Cajal (NCC) in the MO projected to the GVC and were immunoreactive to an antibody raised against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), rate limiting enzyme to produce catecholamines from tyrosine. Therefore, it is likely that activation in the AP or the NCC may inhibit the GVC and thus relaxes the UES muscle, which allows for water to enter into the esophagus. During passing through the esophagus, the imbibed sea water (SW) was desalted to approximately 1/2 SW, which was further diluted in the stomach and arrived at the intestine as approximately 1/3 SW, almost isotonic to the plasma. Finally, from the diluted SW, the eel intestine absorbed water following the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport (NKCC2) system. The NaCl and water absorption across the intestine was regulated by various factors, especially by peptides such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and somatostatin (SS-25 II). During desalination in the esophagus, however, excess salt enters into the blood circulation, which is liable to raise the plasma osmolarity. However, the eel heart was constricted powerfully by the hyperosmolarity, suggesting that the hyperosmolarity enhances the stroke volume to the gill, where excess salt was extruded powerfully via Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransport (NKCC1) system.

Activation of muscarinic receptors in rat subfornical organ neurones

Cholinergic muscarinic inputs to subfornical organ (SFO) neurones in rats were studied using histochemical, molecular-biological and electrophysiological techniques. Neurones in the medial septum and the diagonal band (MS-DBB) were retrogradely labelled by a tracer wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase-colloidal gold complex injected into the SFO. Some in the MS-DBB were double-labelled by choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) antibody. Many ChAT-immunoreactive fibres were observed in the SFO. M3 muscarinic receptor subtype-like immunoreactivity, detected using a polyclonal antiserum, was observed in the SFO. In slice preparations, muscarine induced inward currents in a dose-related manner. The inward currents were suppressed by the relatively M3 muscarinic receptor selective antagonist 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiredine methiodide. In the whole-cell current mode, muscarine depolarized the membrane with increased frequency of action potentials. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed the presence of M2-M5 receptor mRNA in the SFO tissues. These results suggest that the SFO receives cholinergic muscarinic synaptic inputs from the MS-DBB. Acetylcholine postsynaptically activates and depolarizes neurones in the SFO partly through specific muscarinic receptors, including M3 receptor subtypes.

Interleukin 1beta modulates rat subfornical organ neurons as a result of activation of a non-selective cationic conductance

The circumventricular organs (CVOs) are ideal locations at which circulating pyrogens may act to communicate with the CNS during an immune challenge. Their dense vasculature and fenestrated capillaries allow direct access of these pyrogens to CNS tissue without impediment of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). One such CVO, the subfornical organ (SFO), has been implicated as a site at which the circulating endogenous pyrogen interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) acts to initiate the febrile response. This study was designed to determine the response of rat SFO neurons to IL-1beta (1 nM to 100 fM) using whole-cell current-clamp and voltage-damp techniques. We found that physiological(subseptic) concentrations of IL-1beta (1 pM, 500 fM, 100 fm) induced a transient depolarization in SFO neurons accompanied by a significant increase in spike frequency. In contrast,pharmacological (septic) concentrations of IL-1beta (1 nM) evoked a sustained hyperpolarization. While depolarizations in response to IL-1beta were abolished by treatment of cells with the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), hyperpolarizations were still observed. Voltage-clamp analysis revealed that the majority (85 %) of SFO neurons responding to IL-1beta with depolarization (29 of 34 cells) exhibited an electrophysiological profile characterized by a dominant delayed rectifier potassium current (DIK), a conductance that we also found to be reduced to 84.4 +/- 3.3 % of control by bath application of IL-1beta. In addition, using slow voltage ramps we demonstrated that IL-1beta activates a non-selective cationic current (INSC) with a reversal potential of -38.8 +/- 1.8 mV. These studies identify the cellular mechanisms through which IL-1beta can influence the excitability of SFO neurons and, as a consequence of such actions, initiate the febrile response to exogenous pyrogens.

Quantitative histochemical assessment of oxidative metabolism in the subfornical organ after partial aortic ligature in rats

Circumventricular organs are considered to be involved in hydromineral homeostatic responses. In this study we used quantitative histochemistry of cytochrome oxidase to evaluate the oxidative metabolic activity of the subfornical organ of rats with a partial aortic occlusion. These rats showed a significant increase in water intake from the second day after the ligature, while natriophilia was already significant on the first day. Greater levels of cytochrome oxidase activity were found in subfornical organs of partial aortic ligated rats when compared with control, providing further evidence for the involvement of this circumventricular structure in fluid homeostasis at least in this hyperdipsic, hypernatriophilic, hyperreninemic and hypertensive experimental model.

Atrial natriuretic peptides elevate cyclic GMP levels in primary cultures of rat ependymal cells

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of atrial natriuretic peptides on primary cultures of ependymal cells, as measured by changes in intracellular levels of cyclic GMP. Incubation of ependymal cells with rat atrial natriuretic peptide-(1-28) (rANP) elicited a 30-fold increase in ependymal cGMP content within 1 min and more than a 100-fold increase within 10 min to a plateau value of approximately 30 pmol/mg protein. The C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) elicited a similar increase in cGMP levels; however the maximal effect was observed within 1 min and the levels subsequently dropped by 90% to a low plateau within 10 min. A comparison of the concentration-response curves for rANP, human ANP-(1-28) (hANP) and CNP showed that rANP, hANP and CNP had similar effects, with regards to elevation of cGMP levels at high concentrations, but with differing EC50 values. These results demonstrate the presence of a heterogenous population of functional ANP receptors i n cultured ependymalcells suggesting that ANP may regulate specific ependymal cell activity.

Noncholinergic actions of atropine on GABAergic synaptic transmission in the subfornical organ of rat slice preparations

Actions of atropine on GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents to neurons in the subfornical organ, which is a circumventricular organ, were studied by using rat slice preparations with whole-cell clamp recordings. Atropine at 0.01-1 microM antagonized the decreased frequency of Inhibitory postsynaptic currents by carbachol (Xu et al., Am. J. Physiol. Integr. Comp. Physiol. 280, R1657-R1664, 2001). It acted as a muscarinic antagonist at relatively low concentrations. Although the low concentrations of atropine did not change frequency and amplitude of the inhibitory postsynaptic currents, atropine at 10 microM to 1 mM did decrease them in a dose-dependent manner. Glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents were not influenced by atropine at 100 microM. Atropine at 100 microM suppressed GABA- and muscimol-induced outward currents, but not kainic acid-induced inward currents. In addition, decrease of membrane conductance and induction of inward currents by 100 microM of atropine at a holding membrane potential, -51 mV, were found in subfornical organ neurons. From voltage-current curves, a mean reversal potential was estimated to be -65.9 +/- 3.7 mV, near to an equilibrium potential of chloride channels. These imply that atropine at 100 microM suppresses openings of chloride channels. Taken together, it is suggested that, while atropine at low concentrations has an antagonistic action on muscarinic responses, atropine at high concentrations suppresses GABAergic synaptic transmission in subfornical organ neurons. These findings may be of considerable value in understanding the central mechanisms of extraordinary drinking behavior in atropine intoxication.

Enhanced response of subfornical organ neurons projecting to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus to angiotensin II in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Thirty subfornical organ (SFO) neurons in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and 32 SFO neurons in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were antidromically activated by electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) under urethane anesthesia. The spontaneous firing rate was significantly higher in SHR than in WKY rats. No significant differences in the latency, conduction velocity, and threshold of antidromic response were observed between WKY and SHR. All the identified SFO units were tested for a response to intracarotid injection of angiotensin II (ANG II, 20-ng/kg b.w.t.). Injections of ANG II elicited an increase in the activity of 21 units in WKY and 20 units in SHR and a depression in the firing of one unit in WKY rats, but did not affect the remaining units. The magnitude of the excitatory response caused by the ANG II injection was much greater in SHR than in WKY rats. These results show that there are differences between WKY and SHR in the spontaneous discharge rate of SFO neurons projecting to the PVN and in their response to circulating ANG II.

Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive projections from the caudal ventrolateral medulla to the subfornical organ in the rat

The subfornical organ (SFO) is known to be innervated by noradrenergic fibers. One possible origin of these fibers, which carry peripheral baroreceptor information to enhance the activity of SFO neurons, is the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). To investigate possible sites of origin of the catecholaminergic projections to the SFO, a retrograde tracing method was combined with immunohistochemistry in the rat. Stereotaxical injection of a retrograde tracer, wheat germ agglutinin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase--colloidal gold complex, into the SFO from the dorsal aspect revealed retrogradely labeled neurons in several catecholaminergic cell groups. A substantial number of retrogradely labeled neurons showing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity were found in the NTS and ventrolateral medulla (VLM) at levels caudal to the obex and in the locus coeruleus, while retrogradely labeled neurons without TH immunoreactivity were found in the VLM at levels rostral to the obex and in the nucleus prepositus hypoglossi. When the tracer was injected into the structures dorsal to the SFO, including the triangular septal nucleus, the frequency of retrogradely labeled neurons in the NTS and VLM at the caudal level was very low. These findings indicate the existence of catecholaminergic projections from the VLM (probably A1) to the SFO, in addition to the noradrenergic projections from the NTS previously reported.

Activation of serotonergic pathways from the midbrain raphe system to the subfornical organ by hemorrhage in the rat

The role of serotonergic neural pathways from the midbrain raphe nuclei to the subfornical organ (SFO) in the central regulation of cardiovascular function and body fluid balance was investigated in adult male rats under urethane anesthesia. Eleven neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) were antidromically activated by electrical stimulation of the SFO. Of these neurons, 6 displayed an excitatory response following hemorrhage (10 ml/kg bwt) while the remaining 5 neurons were unresponsive. Ninety-four neurons in the SFO were tested for a response to electrical stimulation of the DR or hemorrhage. Electrical stimulation of the DR caused orthodromic excitation (19%) or inhibition (5%) of the activity of SFO neurons. In 14 of 18 SFO neurons that displayed the excitation to the stimulation of the DR, hemorrhage (30 to 50 mm Hg suppression in mean arterial pressure) produced an increase of their discharge, while the stimulus was without effect in the remaining neurons responsive to the stimulation of the DR. The effects of hemorrhage on serotonin (5-HT) release in the region of the SFO were examined using intracerebral microdialysis techniques. Hemorrhage significantly increased 5-HT and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations in the region of the SFO. The present data suggest that the serotonergic pathways from the DR to the SFO may relay activation of the peripheral baroreceptors to SFO neurons which result in enhanced excitability, indicating the involvement of the pathways in the regulation of cardiovascular function.

Angiotensinergic and noradrenergic mechanisms in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus participate in the drinking response induced by activation of the subfornical organ in rats

The present study was done to investigate the contribution of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to the drinking response caused by activation of the subfornical organ (SFO) following angiotensin II (ANG II) injections in the awake rat. Microinjection of ANG II into the SFO elicited the drinking response. Previous injections of either saralasin, an ANG II antagonist, or phentolamine, an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, bilaterally into the PVN resulted in the significant attenuation of the drinking response to ANG II. Similar injections of any of the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist timolol, the muscarinic antagonist atropine, or saline vehicle into the PVN had no significant effect on the drinking response. In an attempt to clarify the neural mechanisms in the PVN involved in the drinking response to ANG II injected into the SFO, the effect of microinjection of ANG II into the SFO on noradrenaline (NA) release in the PVN was examined using intracerebral microdialysis techniques. The injection of the ANG II, but not saline vehicle, significantly enhanced the NA release in the region of the PVN. These results indicate the involvement of both the angiotensinergic and alpha-adrenergic systems in the PVN in the drinking response caused by angiotensinergic activation of the SFO, and imply that the angiotensinergic projections from the SFO to the PVN may serve to increase NA release which results in mediating water intake.

Dipsogenic response induced by angiotensinergic pathways from the lateral hypothalamic area to the subfornical organ in rats

Experimental observations in several species have suggested that angiotensinergic neural circuits from the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) to the subfornical organ (SFO) may participate in the control of drinking behavior in the rat. In an attempt to verify this possibility, experiments were undertaken to investigate whether activation of LHA neurons following microinjection of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the LHA elicits drinking. Injections of ANG II (10(-11) mol) into the LHA caused drinking in 25 out of 36 rats having the tips of cannulas in the LHA. The efficacy of ANG II was potentiated by increasing the dose of the drug. To clarify the contribution of angiotensinergic neurons in the LHA with efferent projections to the SFO to the drinking induced by ANG II, the effects of pretreatment with saralasin (Sar), a specific ANG II antagonist, in the SFO or its surrounding region on the drinking to ANG II were examined. Previous injections of Sar into the SFO significantly reduced the water intake caused by ANG II injected into the LHA, whereas treatment with Sar in the ventral hippocampal commissure (VHC) or third ventricle (3V) was without effect. These findings provide the evidence for the involvement of the angiotensinergic pathways from the LHA to the SFO in the dipsogenic action.

Evidence for a role for central 5-HT2B as well as 5-HT2A receptors in cardiovascular regulation in anaesthetized rats

1. The effects of injections i.c.v. of quipazine, (2 micromol kg-1) and 1-(2,5-di-methoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI; 2 micromol kg-1) on renal sympathetic and phrenic nerve activity, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate were investigated in alpha-chloralose anaesthetized rats pretreated with a peripherally acting 5-HT2 receptor antagonist. 2. Quipazine or DOI caused a rise in MAP which was associated with a tachycardia and renal sympathoinhibition in rats pretreated (i.c.v.) with the antagonist vehicle 10% PEG. These effects of quipazine were completely blocked by pretreatment with cinanserin (a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist) and attenuated by spiperone (a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist). However, pretreatment with SB200646A (a 5-HT2B/2C receptor antagonist) only blocked the sympathoinhibition, while pretreatment with SB204741 (a 5-HT2B receptor antagonist) reversed the sympathoinhibition to excitation as it also did for DOI. Quipazine also caused renal sympathoexcitation in the presence (i.v.) of a vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist. 3. Injection (i.v.) of the V1 receptor antagonist at the peak pressor response evoked by quipazine alone and in the presence of SB204741 caused an immediate fall in MAP. For quipazine alone the renal sympathoinhibition was slowly reversed to an excitation, while the renal sympathoexcitation observed in the presence of SB204741 was potentiated. In both, the quipazine-evoked tachycardia was unaffected. 4. The data indicate that cardiovascular responses caused by i.c.v. quipazine and DOI are primarily due to activation of central 5-HT2A receptors, which causes the release of vasopressin and a tachycardia. This released vasopressin appears to suppress a 5-HT2A receptor-evoked central increase in sympathetic outflow, which involves the activation of central 5-HT2B receptors indirectly by the released vasopressin.

Differential regulation of angiotensinogen and AT1A receptor mRNA within the rat subfornical organ during dehydration

The present study describes the differential rostro-caudal patterning of angiotensinogen (AoGen) and AT1A receptor mRNAs in the rat SFO using specific and validated oligodeoxynucleotide probes for in situ hybridization. Highest levels of AoGen-specific gene expression were observed in the rostral region of the SFO with gradually decreasing intensity towards the caudal region of this sensory circumventricular organ lacking blood-brain barrier function. AoGen-related hybridization signals proved to be specifically prominent above cells in lateral aspects of the SFO, surrounding septal venules. Maximal expression of the AT1A receptor-specific gene, on the other hand, could be detected in the neuron-enriched, ventro-medial core region and dorsal annulus of the SFO, with low-intensity hybridization signals in its rostral and caudal parts. Water deprivation for 48 h, leading to extracellular hypertonic hypovolemia with elevated circulating AngII concentrations within the physiological range, caused a significant increase in AoGen-specific hybridization signals in the rostral and medial SFO regions. AT1A receptor gene expression and AngII receptor binding were markedly stimulated in the medial and caudal regions of the SFO (core and annulus) as compared to euhydrated animals. These data indicate, that mild dehydration differentially up-regulates AoGen- and AT1A receptor-specific mRNA formation as well as AT1 receptor binding in distinct regions of the SFO, and supports the involvement of different cellular subgroups in the expression of two major components of the central nervous renin-angiotensin system in this sensory circumventricular organ.

Noradrenaline release in the rat subfornical organ area to blood pressure changes

To verify whether noradrenergic inputs to the subfornical organ (SFO) are involved in the control system of arterial pressure, we investigated the effects of blood pressure changes on noradrealine (NA) release in the SFO and its surrounding sites using microdialysis techniques in rats. Hemorrhage (5 or 10 ml/kg) significantly increased the NA concentration in the region of the SFO, but did not cause significant changes in the sites away from the SFO. An elevation in arterial pressure following intravenous administration of the alpha-agonist metaraminol slightly decreased the NA level in the region of the SFO. These results imply that the noradrenergic neural inputs to the SFO area may be involved in the control of cardiovascular function.

Angiotensin II-induced calcium signalling in neurons and astrocytes of rat circumventricular organs

The subfornical organ and organum vasculosum laminae terminalis represent neuroglial circumventricular organ structures bordering the anterior third cerebral ventricle. Owing to the absence of the blood-brain barrier, the cellular elements of the subfornical organ and the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis can be reached by circulating messenger molecules transferring afferent information. As demonstrated for the control of extracellular fluid composition, the circulating hormone angiotensin II acts on these sensory circumventricular organs to induce drinking, elevated peripheral resistance and neurohypophyseal hormone release via interaction with membrane-spanning receptor proteins. To characterize the cell-specific distribution of angiotensin II receptors within the circumventricular organs, primary cell cultures derived from the subfornical organ or organum vasculosum laminae terminalis of five- to six-day-old rat pups were used to measure alterations in intracellular calcium at the single cell level. Neurons and astrocytes were identified by immunocytochemical staining for specific marker proteins. Bath application of angiotensin II (10(-10)-10(-6) M) dose-dependently induced calcium transients in neurons (19.6%) and astrocytes (15.7%), and angiotensin II threshold concentrations to elicit intracellular calcium signalling proved to be one order of magnitude higher in astrocytes as compared to neurons (10(-9) M). At angiotensin II concentrations higher than 10(-7) M, pronounced desensitization of the angiotensin II receptor occurred. Employing the angiotensin II receptor antagonists losartan (DUP-753; AT1-receptor) and PD-123319 (AT2-receptor), exclusive expression of the AT1 receptor subtype coupled to intracellular calcium concentration signalling could be demonstrated for neurons and astrocytes. In all cells examined, the angiotensin II-evoked increase in intracellular calcium concentrations could be fully suppressed in the absence of extracellular calcium. Co-activation by angiotensin II and other agents (vasopressin, its fragment 8-arginine-vasopressin(4-9), oxytocin, endothelin) was indicated for subfornical organ neurons and organum vasculosum laminae terminalis astrocytes.

Scanning electron microscopy of central nervous system cerebrospinal-fluid-contacting surfaces: a bibliography (1963-1995)

This bibliography is compiled to assist in locating papers related to the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to cerebrospinal-fluid-contacting surfaces in vertebrates. The use of SEM by neuroscientists has continued apace since the publication of the first bibliography in 1980. SEM studies now include more than 50 species of vertebrates and range from cyclostomes to humans; they encompass development from embryo to senescence and concern both normal and pathologic morphology. Although remarkable strides have been made toward a greater understanding of many aspects of the structure and function of cerebrospinal-fluid-contacting surfaces, many significant problems await the judicious application of scanning electron microscopy.

Structure of the subfornical organ: a review

In this review, the light microscopic and fine structural characteristics of neurons, axons, dendrites, glial cells, and capillaries and their topography within the subfornical organ are summarized, with an emphasis on recent findings. Structure-function relationships are discussed whenever possible and put into perspective in a concluding section.

Ependymal and choroidal cells in culture: characterization and functional differentiation

During the past 10 years, our teams developed long-term primary cultures of ependymal cells derived from ventricular walls of telencephalon and hypothalamus or choroidal cells (modified ependymal cells) derived from plexuses dissected out of fetal or newborn mouse or rat brains. Cultures were established in serum-supplemented or chemically defined media after seeding on serum-, fibronectin-, or collagen-laminin-coated plastic dishes or semipermeable inserts. To identify and characterize cell types growing in our cultures, we used morphological features provided by phase contrast, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. We used antibodies against intermediate filament proteins (vimentin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, cytokeratin, desmin, neurofilament proteins), actin, myosin, ciliary rootlets, laminin, and fibronectin in single or double immunostaining, and monoclonal antibodies against epitopes of ependymal or endothelial cells, to recognize ventricular wall cell types with immunological criteria. Ciliated or nonciliated ependymal cells in telencephalic cultures, tanycytes and ciliated and nonciliated ependymal cells in hypothalamic cultures always exceeded 75% of the cultured cells under the conditions used. These cells were characterized by their cell shape and epithelial organization, by their apical differentiations observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and by specific markers (e.g., glial fibrillary acidic protein, ciliary rootlet proteins, DARPP 32) detected by immunofluorescence. All these cultured ependymal cell types remarkably resembled in vivo ependymocytes in terms of molecular markers and ultrastructural features. Choroidal cells were also maintained for several weeks in culture, and abundantly expressed markers were detected in both choroidal tissue and culture (Na+-K+-dependent ATPase, DARPP 32, G proteins, ANP receptors). In this review, the culture models we developed (defined in terms of biological material, media, substrates, duration, and subculturing) are also compared with those developed by other investigators during the last 10 years. Focusing on morphological and functional approaches, we have shown that these culture models were suitable to investigate and provide new insights on (1) the gap junctional communication of ependymal, choroidal, and astroglial cells in long-term primary cultures by freeze-fracture or dye transfer of Lucifer Yellow CH after intracellular microinjection; (2) some ionic channels; (3) the hormone receptors to tri-iodothyronine or atrial natriuretic peptides; (4) the regulatory effect of tri-iodothyronine on glutamine synthetase expression; (5) the endocytosis and transcytosis of proteins; and (6) the morphogenetic effects of galactosyl-ceramide. We also discuss new insights provided by recent results reported on in vitro ependymal and choroidal expressions of neuropeptide-processing enzymes and neurosecretory proteins or choroidal expression of transferrin regulated through serotoninergic activation.

Responses of raphe nucleus projecting subfornical organ neurons to angiotensin II in rats

The subfornical organ (SFO) is an important central site of action of circulating angiotensin II (ANG II). Although neuroanatomical tracing studies have identified the efferent pathways from the SFO to the midbrain raphe nucleus (RN), the functional role of the pathways is unknown. The present study was carried out to examine the responses of SFO neurons projecting to the dorsal RN (DRN) to microiontophoretic application or intracarotid injection of ANG II in male rats under urethane anesthesia. Twenty-three neurons in the SFO were antidromically identified by electrical stimulation of the midbrain DRN. Of these identified units, 13 were excited by ANG II applied iontophoretically, while 10 were unresponsive. ANG II-induced excitation was prevented by the ANG II antagonist saralasin (Sar) applied iontophoretically. The activity of seven out of 10 units that displayed this excitation to iontophoretically applied ANG II was also enhanced by intracarotid injection of ANG II. These results suggest that SFO neurons projecting to the DRN may monitor the circulating level of ANG II and carry the information to the DRN.

Ascending pathways from the nucleus of the solitary tract to the subfornical organ in the rat

Electrical stimulation of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) produced orthodromic excitation (n = 28, 15%) and inhibition (n = 6, 4%) of the activity of neurons in the subfornical organ (SFO) in male rats under urethane anesthesia. Almost all (n = 26) of the excitatory responses (n = 28) were blocked by microiontophoretically applied phentolamine, an alpha-adrenergic antagonist, but not by timolol, a beta-adrenergic antagonist. In contrast, the inhibitory response of all the neurons (n = 6) tested was not affected by either phentolamine or timolol. Approximately two-third (n = 19) of SFO neurons that demonstrated the excitatory response to NTS stimulation exhibited an increase in neuronal activity in response to hemorrhage (10 ml/kg b.w.t.). Hemorrhage did not cause any change in the activity of all the neurons that demonstrated the inhibitory response to NTS stimulation. These results suggest that the excitatory pathways from the NTS to the SFO may transmit the peripheral baroreceptor information through alpha-adrenoreceptor mechanisms.

Subcellular localization of nitric oxide synthase in the cerebral ventricular system, subfornical organ, area postrema, and blood vessels of the rat brain

The distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) has been studied in the more rostral portion of the lateral ventricle, subfornical organ, area postrema and blood vessels of the rat central nervous system. nNOS was located by means of a specific polyclonal antibody, by using light and electron microscopy. Light microscopy showed immunoreactive varicose nerve fibers and terminal boutons-like structures in the lateral ventricle, positioned in supra- and subependimal areas. The spatial relationships between immunoreactive neuronal processes and the wall of the intracerebral blood vessels were studied. Electron microscopy showed numerous nerve fibers in the wall of the lateral ventricle; many were nNos-immunoreactive and established very close contact with ependymal cells. Immunoreactive neurons and processes were found in the subependymal plate of the ventricular wall, the subfornical organ, the area postrema, and the circularis nucleus of the hypothalamus. In these last three areas, the immunoreactive neurons were found close to the perivascular space of fenestrated and nonfenestrated blood vessels. The nNOS immunoreactivity was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, cisterns, ribosomes, neurotubules, and in the inner part of the external membrane. In the terminal boutons, the reaction product was found surrounding the vesicle membranes. This distribution showed nNOS as a predominantly membrane-bound protein. The nitrergic nerve fibers present in the wall of the ventricular system might regulate metabolic functions as well as neurotransmission in the subfornical organ, area postrema and circularis nucleus of the hypothalamus.

Identification of osmoresponsive neurons in the forebrain of the rat: a Fos study at the ultrastructural level

The aims of this study are twofold. The first is to describe the ultrastructural morphology of putative osmoreceptors concentrated in the ventral aspect of the lamina terminalis in the rat forebrain. The second is to determine whether or not these neurons lie within an area which lacks a blood-brain barrier, i.e. the organum vasculosum lamina terminalis. The results describe a compact population of neurons in the ventral part of the lamina terminalis which both respond to an osmotic challenge and project directly to the supraoptic nucleus. Injection of horseradish peroxidase into the circulation, as a marker to define areas of the brain without a blood-brain barrier, indicates that these neurons are in the dorsal aspect of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis. An ultrastructural analysis of the neurons in this area, which respond to an osmotic challenge with an elevation of Fos protein, show them to have no specific morphological characteristics which differentiate them from other, non-responsive neurons in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis. However, one possible exception is that osmotically sensitive neurons have a less indented nucleus, suggesting that they are in a more active state than their non-osmotically sensitive neighbours. It is concluded that neurons in this region of the brain are candidate structures for the "receptors" which mediate vasopressin release in response to an osmotic challenge. The response of only a subset of neurons in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis to an osmotic stimulus, despite an apparent morphological homogeneity and the ability of blood borne agents to reach all parts of the structure suggests that osmoresponsiveness is conferred by unique membrane properties or intracellular processing events. The presence of synaptic input to osmoresponsive cells indicates a potential for integration of other inputs at this level.

Co-localization of angiotensin II and gamma-aminobutyric acid in axon terminals in the rat subfornical organ

Angiotensin II (Ag II) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the subfornical organ have been implicated in drinking and cardiovascular responses to changes in circulating hormones. We combined immunogold silver labeling of Ag II with immunoperoxidase detection of GABA to determine whether there might be common cellular sites for their physiological actions in this circumventricular region. Electron microscopy showed that numerous terminals in central portions of the rat subfornical organ contained both Ag II and GABA immunoreactivity. These terminals as well as others exclusively labeled for AgII or GABA formed mainly symmetric, inhibitory type synapses with unlabeled dendrites. Immunogold-silver aggregates recognizing AgII were often detected near non-synaptic portions of the plasma membrane with or without apparent association with large dense core vesicles. In contrast, the GABA immunoperoxidase labeling was most intensely localized to membranes of small clear vesicles which were aggregated near the presynaptic junction. Our results indicate that in rat subfornical organ, neuronal AgII may modulate the inhibitory postsynaptic responses to GABA following release from single axon terminals.

Biology of hypothalamic neurons and pituitary cells

Results obtained by examining hypothalamic neurons producing precursors to neurohormones, and pituitary cells synthesizing peptide and glycoprotein families of hormones, and recent advances in comparative endocrinology, have been summarized and considered from the following viewpoints: species specificity in the organization and communication of the hypothalamic neurons with different brain areas lying inside the BBB and with CVOs; sensitivity of hypothalamic neurons and pituitary cells to the environmental stimuli; gonadal steroids as modulators of gene expression needed for neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis; dose(s)-dependent pituitary cell proliferation and differentiation; an inverse relationship between PRL and GH synthesis and release and also between degree of hyperplasia and hypertrophy of PRL cells and retardation of GTH cell differentiation; and responsiveness of neurons producing CRH, and of neurons and pituitary cells synthesizing POMC hormones, to stress and glucocorticosteroids. These data show that growth of the animals may be stimulated, retarded, or inhibited; reproductive properties and behavior may be under hormonal control; and character of responsiveness in reaction to stress, and ability for adaptation and other related functions, may be controlled.

Oxytocin response to challenging stimuli in elderly men

The present study was carried out in order to establish possible alterations in oxytocin (OT) secretion with aging. Therefore, we evaluated the OT responses to insulin (0.15 U/kg)-induced hypoglycemia or to the administration of angiotensin II (i.v. infusion for 60 min of successively increasing doses of 4, 8 and 16 ng/kg min; each dose for 20 min) or apomorphine (60 micrograms/kg s.c.) in male subjects aged 22-80 yr and divided into 3 groups by age (group I (n = 9): 22-38 yr; group II (n = 9): 41-60 yr; group III (n = 9): 63-80 yr). Basal OT concentrations were similar in all groups. The OT response during the insulin tolerance test and the administration of ANG II had similar patterns and magnitudes in all groups. The OT response to apomorphine was similar in the two younger groups, with plasma OT levels increased 118% vs. baseline. In contrast, apomorphine was unable to induce a significant OT rise in the oldest group. During apomorphine test plasma OT concentrations were significantly lower in group III than in groups I and II. For the first time in elderly human subjects, these data show normal responsiveness of the OT secretory system to releasing stimuli such as hypoglycemia and ANG II. These findings indicate that in aged men production of OT and capability of responding to challenging stimuli is unchanged. On the other hand, the reduced OT responsiveness to apomorphine in group III might be an expression of the general dopaminergic dysfunction affecting the aging brain.

Endothelin-3 stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the subfornical organ and median eminence of the rat brain

The effect of Endothelin-3 on phosphoinositide turnover was studied in two brain structures, the subfornical organ and median eminence. ET-3 increased inositol monophosphate accumulation in the range 1 nM to 2 microM. Basal and stimulated InsP1 accumulation increased linearly during 1 h. The PI response elicited by ET-3 was dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca++. Removal of extracellular Ca++ or addition of Cd++ resulted in a marked decrease in ET-3-stimulated InsP1 accumulation. On the contrary, phosphoinositide hydrolysis was not changed by the calcium channel blockers nifedipine or amlodipine; however, it was decreased by amiloride, a Na+/H+ antiporter or Na+/Ca++ exchange blocker. ET-3 induced PI breakdown was inhibited in, a dose-dependent manner, by neomycin, an inhibitor of phospholipase C. These findings further support the hypothesis that stimulation of PI turnover constitutes one of the signalling pathways of ET-3 in the central nervous system, possibly through the stimulation of a specific receptor coupled to phospholipase C.

Angiotensin II actions in paraventricular nucleus: functional evidence for neurotransmitter role in efferents originating in subfornical organ

Angiotensin II (ANG) has been suggested to be the neurotransmitter utilised by subfornical organ (SFO) efferents projecting to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). The PVN has been shown to be involved in mediating the cardiovascular response elicited by electrical stimulation of SFO. The possible role of ANG as a neurotransmitter in these pathways has been examined in the present study. The cardiovascular effects of ANG microinjection into the PVN were examined in urethane anaesthetized, male Sprague-Dawley rats. Microinjection of 20 ng or 50 ng ANG into PVN resulted in mean increases in blood pressure of 12.8 +/- 0.6 mmHg (P < 0.0005), and 16.2 +/- 1.4 mmHg (P < 0.0001) respectively, without effect on heart rate. These responses were significantly attenuated following systemic administration of losartan, an ANG type 1 receptor (AT1) antagonist (Control, +12.8 +/- 0.6 mmHg; post-losartan, +5.6 +/- 1.7 mmHg), but were unaffected by the AT2 receptor antagonist, PD123319 (Control, +10.8 +/- 1.6 mmHg; post-PD123319, +11.6 +/- 2.4 mmHg). Initial and later components of the biphasic pressor response elicited by electrical stimulation of SFO (200 microA, 10 Hz, 1 ms pulse width, 10 s) were also significantly attenuated by losartan, but unaffected by PD123319. The short latency increase in mean arterial pressure was 16.6 +/- 2.3 mmHg in comparison to a post-losartan increase of 9.3 +/- 1.6 mmHg (P < 0.001). Similarly, the secondary response consisted of a control increase of 9.6 +/- 1.3 mmHg and a post-losartan increase of 3.4 +/- 0.9 mmHg (P < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibitory inputs to the subfornical organ from the AV3V: involvement of GABA

Action potentials were recorded extracellularly from single neurons in the subfornical organ (SFO) of the pentobarbital-anesthetized cat following stimulation of the regions surrounding the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V). Of 328 SFO neurons studied, 103 were antidromically activated, showing direct projections from the SFO to the AV3V. However, the major effects of stimulations of the AV3V on SFO neurons were orthodromic inhibition; almost 30% of SFO neurons were inhibited by various sites in the AV3V, while a smaller proportion of cells were excited. Local application of bicuculline, an antagonist for GABA, attenuated the inhibitory responses induced by stimulation of the AV3V in seven out of eight neurons tested. Application of GABA inhibited 16 out of 24 neurons, while that of bicuculline alone excited 11 out of 26 neurons, suggesting the tonic inhibitory action of GABA on some SFO neurons. On the other hand, application of kynurenic acid, a nonspecific antagonist for the excitatory amino acids, did not affect the excitatory responses induced by stimulation of the AV3V, but kynurenic acid itself inhibited 6 out of 18 neurons tested. Application of glutamate excited most SFO neurons. This suggests that the excitatory amino acids may be the transmitter(s) of interneurons in the SFO but may not mediate the excitation from the AV3V.

Actions of endothelin at the subfornical organ

Endothelin (ET), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, is believed to have central sites of action and potential neurohormonal effects relating to body fluid homeostasis and blood-pressure regulation. Systemic endothelin binds to receptors at circumventricular organs and has been shown to increase plasma concentrations of vasopressin and increase the firing frequency of neurohypophysial vasopressin and oxytocin neurons. In the present study we have examined the effects of ET on blood-pressure following micro-injection into the subfornical organ (SFO). Micro-injection of 0.5 and 5.0 pmol of endothelin into SFO caused significant increases (10.1 +/- 1.1 and 10.2 +/- 2.1, respectively) in blood pressure, while lower doses were without effect. In addition, we have used single unit recording techniques to evaluate the effects of systemic ET on the activity of SFO neurons. Extracellular recordings from SFO neurons, antidromically identified as projecting to PVN, showed predominantly excitatory responses to systemic ET (21/35 cells). The data demonstrate that ET has excitatory actions on SFO neurons, and further raise the possibility that one of the functional consequences of such effects is an increase in arterial blood pressure.

Timetables of cytogenesis in the rat subfornical organ

Timetables of neurogenesis and ependymal cell production in the rat subfornical organ (SFO) were determined by examining the offspring of pregnant rats injected with [3H]thymidine on E13-E14, E14-E156, ... E21-E22, respectively. The proportion of postmitotic cells originating each embryonic day was determined by analyzing, in the adult offspring, the progressive reduction in the proportion of labeled precursors from the maximum amount seen in the E13-E14 group. Neurogenesis was found to occur over an extended period of time, beginning on E12 and continuing through E21. Ependymal cells were generated E15 through E21. Both neuron and ependymal cell production occurred in a triphasic pattern and followed an anterior (older) to posterior (younger) gradient. The anterior to posterior production gradient may be related to the morphological variation which exists along this plane. A production gradient intrinsic to a particular levels was found only in the posterior SFO, where peripheral neurons form earlier than core neurons. That neurogenetic gradient may be related to the core-periphery topographical patterns found in other studies, and suggests that the core neurons, since they are among the last to be formed, may be interneurons.

Quantitative fine structure of capillaries in subregions of the rat subfornical organ

The differentiated cytology across subregions of the rat subfornical organ (SFO) prompted our hypothesis that ultrastructural features of capillary endothelial cells would vary topographically and quantitatively within this small nucleus. We used electron microscopic and computer-based morphometric methods to assess fine structural dimensions of the capillary endothelium in four distinct subregions of the SFO from Long-Evans and homozygous Brattleboro rats. Three types of capillary were present. Type III capillaries (resembling those of endocrine glands) had an average wall thickness of 0.17 microns, 54% thinner than those of Type I and II capillaries. Pericapillary spaces around Type III capillaries measured 56 microns2, 100% larger than for Type I vessels (resembling those of skeletal muscle). Only Type III capillaries contained fenestrations (9 per microns2 of endothelial cell) and were the predominant type of capillary in central and caudal subregions of the SFO. Type I capillaries, prevalent in the transitional subregion between the central and rostral parts of the SFO, had 10 cytoplasmic vesicles per micron2 of endothelial cell area, a number not different from that of Type III capillaries but 3x the frequency found in Type II vessels. Type II capillaries (those typical of "blood-brain barrier" endothelium) had low vesicular density (3 per microns2), no fenestrations, and no pericapillary spaces. Luminal diameters and the densities of mitochondria and intercellular junctions were not different among capillary types or subregions in the SFO. Furthermore, there were no morphometric differences for any capillary dimensions between Long-Evans and Brattleboro rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)