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Moss A, Kuttippurathu L, Srivastava A, Schwaber JS, Vadigepalli R. Dynamic dysregulation of transcriptomic networks in brainstem autonomic nuclei during hypertension development in the female spontaneously hypertensive rat. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:283-300. [PMID: 38145287 PMCID: PMC11283910 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00073.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurogenic hypertension stems from an imbalance in autonomic function that shifts the central cardiovascular control circuits toward a state of dysfunction. Using the female spontaneously hypertensive rat and the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rat model, we compared the transcriptomic changes in three autonomic nuclei in the brainstem, nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), caudal ventrolateral medulla, and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in a time series at 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 wk of age, spanning the prehypertensive stage through extended chronic hypertension. RNA-sequencing data were analyzed using an unbiased, dynamic pattern-based approach that uncovered dominant and several subtle differential gene regulatory signatures. Our results showed a persistent dysregulation across all three autonomic nuclei regardless of the stage of hypertension development as well as a cascade of transient dysregulation beginning in the RVLM at the prehypertensive stage that shifts toward the NTS at the hypertension onset. Genes that were persistently dysregulated were heavily enriched for immunological processes such as antigen processing and presentation, the adaptive immune response, and the complement system. Genes with transient dysregulation were also largely region-specific and were annotated for processes that influence neuronal excitability such as synaptic vesicle release, neurotransmitter transport, and an array of neuropeptides and ion channels. Our results demonstrate that neurogenic hypertension is characterized by brainstem region-specific transcriptomic changes that are highly dynamic with significant gene regulatory changes occurring at the hypertension onset as a key time window for dysregulation of homeostatic processes across the autonomic control circuits.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hypertension is a major disease and is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular complications and stroke. The gene expression changes in the central nervous system circuits driving hypertension are understudied. Here, we show that coordinated and region-specific gene expression changes occur in the brainstem autonomic circuits over time during the development of a high blood pressure phenotype in a rat model of human essential hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Moss
- Daniel Baugh Institute for Functional Genomics and Computational Biology, Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Lakshmi Kuttippurathu
- Daniel Baugh Institute for Functional Genomics and Computational Biology, Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ankita Srivastava
- Daniel Baugh Institute for Functional Genomics and Computational Biology, Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - James S Schwaber
- Daniel Baugh Institute for Functional Genomics and Computational Biology, Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Rajanikanth Vadigepalli
- Daniel Baugh Institute for Functional Genomics and Computational Biology, Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Karlen-Amarante M, Bassi M, Barbosa RM, Sá JM, Menani JV, Colombari E, Zoccal DB, Colombari DSA. Maternal high-fat diet changes breathing pattern and causes excessive sympathetic discharge in juvenile offspring rat. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L662-L674. [PMID: 37786934 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00013.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life over-nutrition, as experienced in maternal obesity, is a risk factor for developing cardiorespiratory and metabolic diseases. Here we investigated the effects of high-fat diet (HFD) consumption on the breathing pattern and sympathetic discharge to blood vessels in juvenile offspring from dams fed with HFD (O-HFD). Adult female Holtzman rats were given a standard diet (SD) or HFD from 6 wk before gestation to weaning. At weaning (P21), the male offspring from SD dams (O-SD) and O-HFD received SD until the experimental day (P28-P45). Nerve recordings performed in decerebrated in situ preparations demonstrated that O-HFD animals presented abdominal expiratory hyperactivity under resting conditions and higher vasoconstrictor sympathetic activity levels. The latter was associated with blunted respiratory-related oscillations in sympathetic activity, especially in control animals. When exposed to elevated hypercapnia or hypoxia levels, the O-HFD animals mounted similar ventilatory and respiratory motor responses as the control animals. Hypercapnia and hypoxia exposure also increased sympathetic activity in both groups but did not reinstate the respiratory-sympathetic coupling in the O-HFD rats. In freely behaving conditions, O-HFD animals exhibited higher resting pulmonary ventilation and larger variability of arterial pressure levels than the O-SD animals due to augmented sympathetic modulation of blood vessel diameter. Maternal obesity modified the functioning of cardiorespiratory systems in offspring at a young age, inducing active expiration and sympathetic overactivity under resting conditions. These observations represent new evidence about pregnancy-related complications that lead to the development of respiratory distress and hypertension in children of obese mothers.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maternal obesity is a risk factor for developing cardiorespiratory and metabolic diseases. This study highlights the changes on the breathing pattern and sympathetic discharge to blood vessels in juvenile offspring from dams fed with HFD. Maternal obesity modified the functioning of cardiorespiratory systems in offspring, inducing active expiration and sympathetic overactivity. These observations represent new evidence about pregnancy-related complications that lead to the development of respiratory distress and hypertension in children of obese mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlusa Karlen-Amarante
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Mirian Bassi
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Moreira Barbosa
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Matheus Sá
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - José Vanderlei Menani
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Colombari
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Daniel B Zoccal
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
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Nakajima Y, Tsujimura T, Tsutsui Y, Chotirungsan T, Kawada S, Dewa N, Magara J, Inoue M. Atropine facilitates water-evoked swallows via central muscarinic receptors in anesthetized rats. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 325:G109-G121. [PMID: 37219016 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00039.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Anticholinergic medication causes impaired swallowing with hyposalivation. However, the underlying mechanisms by which these drugs modulate the swallowing reflex remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) nonspecific antagonist atropine on the initiation of swallowing. Experiments were performed on 124 urethane-anesthetized rats. A swallow was evoked by either topical laryngeal application of a small amount of distilled water (DW), saline, citric acid, or capsaicin; upper airway distention with a continuous airflow; electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN); or focal microinjection of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) into the lateral region of the nucleus of the solitary tract (L-nTS). Swallows were identified by electromyographic bursts of the digastric and thyrohyoid muscles. Either atropine, the peripheral mAChR antagonist methylatropine, or antagonists of mAChR subtypes M1-M5 were intravenously delivered. Atropine at a dose of 1 mg/kg increased the number of DW-evoked swallows compared with baseline and did not affect the number of swallows evoked by saline, citric acid, capsaicin, or upper airway distention. Methylatropine and M1-M5 antagonists did not significantly change the number of DW-evoked swallows. Bilateral SLN transection completely abolished DW-evoked swallows, and atropine decreased the swallowing threshold of SLN electrical stimulation. Finally, microinjection of NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5 into the L-nTS inhibited DW-evoked swallows, and atropine facilitated the initiation of swallowing evoked by NMDA microinjection into this region. These results suggest that atropine facilitates DW-evoked swallows via central mAChR actions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Atropine facilitated the distilled water (DW)-evoked swallows in anesthetized rats. Atropine decreased the swallowing threshold evoked by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve, which is a primary sensory nerve for the initiation of DW-evoked swallows. Atropine facilitated the swallows evoked by N-methyl-d-aspartate microinjection into the lateral region of the nucleus of the solitary tract, which is involved in the DW-evoked swallows. We speculate that atropine facilitates the DW-evoked swallows via central muscarinic receptor actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Nakajima
- Division of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takanori Tsujimura
- Division of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuhei Tsutsui
- Division of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Titi Chotirungsan
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Faculty of Dentistry, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Satomi Kawada
- Division of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Nozomi Dewa
- Division of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Jin Magara
- Division of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Makoto Inoue
- Division of Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
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Hypoxic and Hypercapnic Responses in Transgenic Murine Model of Alzheimer’s Disease Overexpressing Human AβPP: The Effects of Pretreatment with Memantine and Rivastigmine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116004. [PMID: 35682682 PMCID: PMC9180806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the severe respiratory problems reducing the quality of life for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, their causes are poorly understood. We aimed to investigate hypoxic and hypercapnic respiratory responses in a transgenic mouse model of AD (AβPP V717I) overexpressing AβPP and mimicking early-onset AD. The cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine and the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine were used to investigate the effects of drugs, used to treat AD cognitive dysfunction, on breathing in hypoxia and hypercapnia. We found a significant increase in the respiratory response to hypercapnia and no difference in the hypoxic response in APP+ mice, compared with the control group (APP−). Memantine had no effect on respiration in either group, including responses to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Rivastigmine depressed resting ventilation and response to hypercapnia irrespective of the mice genotype. Reduction in hypoxia-augmented ventilation by rivastigmine was observed only in APP+ mice, which exhibited lower acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus. Treatment with rivastigmine reduced the enzyme activity in both groups equally in the hippocampus and brainstem. The increased ventilatory response to hypercapnia in transgenic mice may indicate alterations in chemoreceptive respiratory nuclei, resulting in increased CO2 sensitivity. Rivastigmine is a potent reductant of normoxic and hypercapnic respiration in APP+ and APP− mice.
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Pachen M, Abukar Y, Shanks J, Lever N, Ramchandra R. Regulation of Coronary Blood Flow by the Carotid Body Chemoreceptors in Ovine Heart Failure. Front Physiol 2021; 12:681135. [PMID: 34122147 PMCID: PMC8195281 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.681135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid bodies (CBs) are peripheral chemoreceptors, which are primary sensors of systemic hypoxia and their activation produces respiratory, autonomic, and cardiovascular adjustments critical for body homeostasis. We have previously shown that carotid chemoreceptor stimulation increases directly recorded cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (cardiac SNA) which increases coronary blood flow (CoBF) in conscious normal sheep. Previous studies have shown that chemoreflex sensitivity is augmented in heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that carotid chemoreceptor stimulation would increase CoBF to a greater extent in HF than control sheep. Experiments were conducted in conscious HF sheep and control sheep (n = 6/group) implanted with electrodes to record diaphragmatic electromyography (dEMG), flow probes to record CoBF as well as arterial pressure. There was a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP), CoBF and coronary vascular conductance (CVC) in response to potassium cyanide (KCN) in both groups of sheep. To eliminate the effects of metabolic vasodilation, the KCN was repeated while the heart was paced at a constant level. In this paradigm, the increase in CoBF and CVC was augmented in the HF group compared to the control group. Pre-treatment with propranolol did not alter the CoBF or the CVC increase in the HF group indicating this was not mediated by an increase in cardiac sympathetic drive. The pressor response to CB activation was abolished by pre-treatment with intravenous atropine in both groups, but there was no change in the CoBF and vascular conductance responses. Our data suggest that in an ovine model of HF, carotid body (CB) mediated increases in CoBF and CVC are augmented compared to control animals. This increase in CoBF is mediated by an increase in cardiac SNA in the control group but not the HF group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mridula Pachen
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yonis Abukar
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Julia Shanks
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nigel Lever
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland and Green Lane Cardiovascular Service, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rohit Ramchandra
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Fontaine AK, Futia GL, Rajendran PS, Littich SF, Mizoguchi N, Shivkumar K, Ardell JL, Restrepo D, Caldwell JH, Gibson EA, Weir RFF. Optical vagus nerve modulation of heart and respiration via heart-injected retrograde AAV. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3664. [PMID: 33574459 PMCID: PMC7878800 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83280-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation has shown many benefits for disease therapies but current approaches involve imprecise electrical stimulation that gives rise to off-target effects, while the functionally relevant pathways remain poorly understood. One method to overcome these limitations is the use of optogenetic techniques, which facilitate targeted neural communication with light-sensitive actuators (opsins) and can be targeted to organs of interest based on the location of viral delivery. Here, we tested whether retrograde adeno-associated virus (rAAV2-retro) injected in the heart can be used to selectively express opsins in vagus nerve fibers controlling cardiac function. Furthermore, we investigated whether perturbations in cardiac function could be achieved with photostimulation at the cervical vagus nerve. Viral injection in the heart resulted in robust, primarily afferent, opsin reporter expression in the vagus nerve, nodose ganglion, and brainstem. Photostimulation using both one-photon stimulation and two-photon holography with a GRIN-lens incorporated nerve cuff, was tested on the pilot-cohort of injected mice. Changes in heart rate, surface electrocardiogram, and respiratory responses were observed in response to both one- and two-photon photostimulation. The results demonstrate feasibility of retrograde labeling for organ targeted optical neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun K Fontaine
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Biomechatronics Development Laboratory, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Gregory L Futia
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Pradeep S Rajendran
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Samuel F Littich
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Biomechatronics Development Laboratory, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Naoko Mizoguchi
- Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Diego Restrepo
- Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John H Caldwell
- Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Emily A Gibson
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard F Ff Weir
- Departments of Bioengineering, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Biomechatronics Development Laboratory, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Rocky Mountain Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Aurora, CO, USA
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7
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Moreira TS, Sobrinho CR, Falquetto B, Oliveira LM, Lima JD, Mulkey DK, Takakura AC. The retrotrapezoid nucleus and the neuromodulation of breathing. J Neurophysiol 2020; 125:699-719. [PMID: 33427575 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00497.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breathing is regulated by a host of arousal and sleep-wake state-dependent neuromodulators to maintain respiratory homeostasis. Modulators such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, histamine, serotonin (5-HT), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), substance P, somatostatin, bombesin, orexin, and leptin can serve complementary or off-setting functions depending on the target cell type and signaling mechanisms engaged. Abnormalities in any of these modulatory mechanisms can destabilize breathing, suggesting that modulatory mechanisms are not overly redundant but rather work in concert to maintain stable respiratory output. The present review focuses on the modulation of a specific cluster of neurons located in the ventral medullary surface, named retrotrapezoid nucleus, that are activated by changes in tissue CO2/H+ and regulate several aspects of breathing, including inspiration and active expiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago S Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cleyton R Sobrinho
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Barbara Falquetto
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz M Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janayna D Lima
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel K Mulkey
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Ana C Takakura
- Department of Pharmacology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
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8
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Pachen M, Abukar Y, Shanks J, Lever N, Ramchandra R. Activation of the carotid body increases directly recorded cardiac sympathetic nerve activity and coronary blood flow in conscious sheep. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 320:R203-R212. [PMID: 33206558 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00246.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the carotid body (CB) using intracarotid potassium cyanide (KCN) injection increases coronary blood flow (CoBF). This increase in CoBF is considered to be mediated by co-activation of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to the heart. However, whether cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (cardiac SNA) actually increases during CB activation has not been determined previously. We hypothesized that activation of the CB would increase directly recorded cardiac SNA, which would cause coronary vasodilatation. Experiments were conducted in conscious sheep implanted with electrodes to record cardiac SNA and diaphragmatic electromyography (dEMG), flow probes to record CoBF and cardiac output, and a catheter to record arterial pressure. Intracarotid KCN injection was used to activate the CB. To eliminate the contribution of metabolic demand on coronary flow, the heart was paced at a constant rate during CB chemoreflex stimulation. Intracarotid KCN injection resulted in a significant increase in directly recorded cardiac SNA frequency (from 24 ± 2 to 40 ± 4 bursts/min; P < 0.05) as well as a dose-dependent increase in mean arterial pressure (79 ± 15 to 88 ± 14 mmHg; P < 0.01) and CoBF (75 ± 37 vs. 86 ± 42 mL/min; P < 0.05). The increase in CoBF and coronary vascular conductance to intracarotid KCN injection was abolished after propranolol infusion, suggesting that the increased cardiac SNA mediates coronary vasodilatation. The pressor response to activation of the CB was abolished by pretreatment with intravenous atropine, but there was no change in the coronary flow response. Our results indicate that CB activation increases directly recorded cardiac SNA, which mediates vasodilatation of the coronary vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mridula Pachen
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yonis Abukar
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Julia Shanks
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nigel Lever
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland and Green Lane Cardiovascular Service, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rohit Ramchandra
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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9
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Chang JWH, Tromp TR, Joles JA, McBryde FD, Paton JFR, Ramchandra R. Role of the Carotid Body in an Ovine Model of Renovascular Hypertension. Hypertension 2020; 76:1451-1460. [PMID: 32981362 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The carotid body is implicated as an important mediator and potential treatment target for hypertension. The mechanisms driving increased carotid body tonicity in hypertension are incompletely understood. Using a large preclinical animal model, which is crucial for translation, we hypothesized that carotid sinus nerve denervation would chronically decrease blood pressure in a renovascular ovine model of hypertension in which hypertonicity of the carotid body is associated with reduced common carotid artery blood flow. Adult ewes underwent either unilateral renal artery clipping or sham surgery. Two weeks later, flow probes were placed around the contralateral renal and common carotid arteries. Hypertension was accompanied by a significant reduction in common carotid blood flow but no change in renal blood flow. Carotid sinus nerve denervation significantly reduced blood pressure compared with sham. In both hypertensive and normotensive animals, carotid body stimulation using potassium cyanide caused dose-dependent increases in mean arterial pressure and common carotid conductance but a reduction in renal vascular conductance. These responses were not different between the animal groups. Taken together, our findings indicate that (1) the carotid body is activated in renovascular hypertension, and this is associated with reduced blood flow (decreased vascular conductance) in the common carotid artery and (2) the carotid body can differentially regulate blood flow to the common carotid and renal arteries. We suggest that in the ovine renovascular model, carotid body hypertonicity may be a product of reduced common carotid artery blood flow and plays an amplifying role with the kidney in the development of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Wen-Han Chang
- From the Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.W.-H.C., T.R.T., F.D.M., J.F.R.P., R.R.)
| | - Tycho R Tromp
- From the Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.W.-H.C., T.R.T., F.D.M., J.F.R.P., R.R.).,Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands (T.R.T., J.A.J.)
| | - Jaap A Joles
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands (T.R.T., J.A.J.)
| | - Fiona D McBryde
- From the Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.W.-H.C., T.R.T., F.D.M., J.F.R.P., R.R.)
| | - Julian F R Paton
- From the Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.W.-H.C., T.R.T., F.D.M., J.F.R.P., R.R.)
| | - Rohit Ramchandra
- From the Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, New Zealand (J.W.-H.C., T.R.T., F.D.M., J.F.R.P., R.R.)
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10
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Melo MR, Gasparini S, Silva EF, Karlen-Amarante M, Speretta GF, Lauar MR, Pedrino GR, Menani JV, Colombari DSA, Zoccal DB, Colombari E. Renovascular hypertension elevates pulmonary ventilation in rats by carotid body-dependent mechanisms. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 318:R730-R742. [PMID: 32022595 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00134.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The two kidney-one clip (2K1C) renovascular hypertension depends on the renin-angiotensin system and sympathetic overactivity. The maintenance of 2K1C hypertension also depends on inputs from the carotid bodies (CB), which when activated stimulate the respiratory activity. In the present study, we investigated the importance of CB afferent activity for the ventilatory responses in 2K1C hypertensive rats and for phrenic and hypoglossal activities in in situ preparations of normotensive rats treated with angiotensin II. Silver clips were implanted around the left renal artery of male Holtzman rats (150 g) to induce renovascular hypertension. Six weeks after clipping, hypertensive 2K1C rats showed, in conscious state, elevated resting tidal volume and minute ventilation compared with the normotensive group. 2K1C rats also presented arterial alkalosis, urinary acidification, and amplified hypoxic ventilatory response. Carotid body removal (CBR), 2 wk before the experiments (4th week after clipping), significantly reduced arterial pressure and pulmonary ventilation in 2K1C rats but not in normotensive rats. Intra-arterial administration of angiotensin II in the in situ preparation of normotensive rats increased phrenic and hypoglossal activities, responses that were also reduced after CBR. Results show that renovascular hypertensive rats exhibit increased resting ventilation that depends on CB inputs. Similarly, angiotensin II increases phrenic and hypoglossal activities in in situ preparations of normotensive rats, responses that also depend on CB inputs. Results suggest that mechanisms that depend on CB inputs in renovascular hypertensive rats or during angiotensin II administration in normotensive animals increase respiratory drive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rosso Melo
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Silvia Gasparini
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Elaine F Silva
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil.,Center for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Marlusa Karlen-Amarante
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Guilherme F Speretta
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Mariana R Lauar
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Gustavo R Pedrino
- Center for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Jose V Menani
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Debora S A Colombari
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Daniel B Zoccal
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Colombari
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
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11
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Zera T, Moraes DJA, da Silva MP, Fisher JP, Paton JFR. The Logic of Carotid Body Connectivity to the Brain. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 34:264-282. [PMID: 31165684 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00057.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The carotid body has emerged as a therapeutic target for cardio-respiratory-metabolic diseases. With the expansive functions of the chemoreflex, we sought mechanisms to explain differential control of individual responses. We purport a remarkable correlation between phenotype of a chemosensory unit (glomus cell-sensory afferent) with a distinct component of the reflex response. This logic could permit differential modulation of distinct chemoreflex responses, a strategy ideal for therapeutic exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tymoteusz Zera
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Davi J A Moraes
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Melina P da Silva
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - James P Fisher
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Julian F R Paton
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
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12
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Furuya WI, Bassi M, Menani JV, Colombari E, Zoccal DB, Colombari DSA. Modulation of hypercapnic respiratory response by cholinergic transmission in the commissural nucleus of the solitary tract. Pflugers Arch 2019; 472:49-60. [PMID: 31884528 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-019-02341-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is an important area of the brainstem that receives and integrates afferent cardiorespiratory sensorial information, including those from arterial chemoreceptors and baroreceptors. It was described that acetylcholine (ACh) in the commissural subnucleus of the NTS (cNTS) promotes an increase in the phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and antagonism of nicotinic receptors in the same region reduces the magnitude of tachypneic response to peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation, suggesting a functional role of cholinergic transmission within the cNTS in the chemosensory control of respiratory activity. In the present study, we investigated whether cholinergic receptor antagonism in the cNTS modifies the sympathetic and respiratory reflex responses to hypercapnia. Using an arterially perfused in situ preparation of juvenile male Holtzman rats, we found that the nicotinic antagonist (mecamylamine, 5 mM), but not the muscarinic antagonist (atropine, 5 mM), into the cNTS attenuated the hypercapnia-induced increase of hypoglossal activity. Furthermore, mecamylamine in the cNTS potentiated the generation of late-expiratory (late-E) activity in abdominal nerve induced by hypercapnia. None of the cholinergic antagonists microinjected in the cNTS changed either the sympathetic or the phrenic nerve responses to hypercapnia. Our data provide evidence for the role of cholinergic transmission in the cNTS, acting on nicotinic receptors, modulating the hypoglossal and abdominal responses to hypercapnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner I Furuya
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Mirian Bassi
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - José V Menani
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Colombari
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel B Zoccal
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Débora S A Colombari
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
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13
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Lima JD, Sobrinho CR, Falquetto B, Santos LK, Takakura AC, Mulkey DK, Moreira TS. Cholinergic neurons in the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus modulate breathing in rats by direct projections to the retrotrapezoid nucleus. J Physiol 2019; 597:1919-1934. [PMID: 30724347 DOI: 10.1113/jp277617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Cholinergic projections from the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) to the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) are considered to be important for sleep-wake state-dependent control of breathing. The RTN also receives cholinergic input from the postinspiratory complex. Stimulation of the PPTg increases respiratory output under control conditions but not when muscarinic receptors in the RTN are blocked. The data obtained in the present study support the possibility that arousal-dependent modulation of breathing involves recruitment of cholinergic projections from the PPTg to the RTN. ABSTRACT The pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) in the mesopontine region has important physiological functions, including breathing control. The PPTg contains a variety of cell types, including cholinergic neurons that project to the rostral aspect of the ventrolateral medulla. In addition, cholinergic signalling in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), a region that contains neurons that regulate breathing in response to changes in CO2 /H+ , has been shown to activate chemosensitive neurons and increase inspiratory activity. The present study aimed to identify the source of cholinergic input to the RTN and determine whether cholinergic signalling in this region influences baseline breathing or the ventilatory response to CO2 in conscious male Wistar rats. Retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold injected into the RTN labelled a subset of cholinergic PPTg neurons that presumably project directly to the chemosensitive region of the RTN. In unrestrained awake rats, unilateral injection of the glutamate (10 mm/100 nL) in the PPTg decreased tidal volume (VT ) but otherwise increased respiratory rate (fR ) and net respiratory output as indicated by an increase in ventilation (VE ). All respiratory responses elicited by PPTg stimulation were blunted by prior injection of methyl-atropine (5 mm/50-75 nL) into the RTN. These results show that stimulation of the PPTg can increase respiratory activity in part by cholinergic activation of chemosensitive elements of the RTN. Based on previous evidence that cholinergic PPTg projections may simultaneously activate expiratory output from the pFRG, we speculate that cholinergic signalling at the level of RTN region could also be involved in breathing regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janayna D Lima
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Cleyton R Sobrinho
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Barbara Falquetto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo K Santos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana C Takakura
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel K Mulkey
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Thiago S Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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14
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Inhibitory modulation of the cough reflex by acetylcholine in the caudal nucleus tractus solitarii of the rabbit. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2018; 257:93-99. [PMID: 29369803 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A cholinergic system has been described in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). However, no information is available on the role played by acetylcholine (ACh) in the modulation of the cough reflex within the caudal NTS that has an important function in cough regulation. We addressed this issue making use of bilateral microinjections (30-50 nl) of 10 mM ACh combined with 5 mM physostigmine as well as of 10 mM mecamylamine or 10 mM scopolamine into the caudal NTS of pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rabbits. Microinjections of ACh/physostigmine caused depressant effects on the cough reflex induced by mechanical and chemical stimulation of the tracheobronchial tree. They also elicited transient increases in respiratory frequency and decreases in abdominal activity. These effects were prevented by scopolamine, but not by mecamylamine. The results show for the first time that ACh exerts an inhibitory modulation of the cough reflex through muscarinic receptors within the caudal NTS. They also may provide hints for novel antitussive approaches.
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15
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Furuya WI, Colombari E, Ferguson AV, Colombari DSA. Effects of acetylcholine and cholinergic antagonists on the activity of nucleus of the solitary tract neurons. Brain Res 2017; 1659:136-141. [PMID: 28131721 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Previously we have demonstrated that microinjection of acetylcholine (ACh) into the intermediate nucleus of the solitary tract (iNTS) induced sympatho-inhibition combined with a decrease in the phrenic nerve activity (PNA), whereas in the commissural NTS (cNTS), ACh did not change sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), but increased the PNA. In view of these demonstrated distinctive effects of ACh in different subnuclei of the NTS the current studies were undertaken to examine, using patch clamp techniques, the specific effects of ACh on the excitability of individual neurons in the NTS, as well as the neuropharmacology of these actions. Coronal slices of the brainstem containing either cNTS or iNTS subnuclei were used, and whole cell patch clamp recordings obtained from individual neurons in these two subnuclei. In cNTS, 58% of recorded neurons (n=12) demonstrated rapid reversible depolarizations in response to ACh (10mM), effects which were inhibited by the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine (10μM), but unaffected by the muscarinic antagonist atropine (10μM). Similarly, bath application of ACh depolarized 76% of iNTS neurons (n=17), although in this case both atropine and mecamylamine reduced the ACh-induced depolarization. These data demonstrate that ACh depolarizes cNTS neurons through actions on nicotinic receptors, while depolarizing effects in iNTS are apparently mediated by both receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner I Furuya
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Colombari
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Alastair V Ferguson
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Débora S A Colombari
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
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16
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Martín-Gallego A, Andrade-Andrade I, Dawid-Milner M, Domínguez-Páez M, Romero-Moreno L, González-García L, Carrasco-Brenes A, Segura-Fernández-Nogueras M, Ros-López B, Arráez-Sánchez M. Autonomic dysfunction elicited by a medulla oblongata injury after fourth ventricle tumor surgery in a pediatric patient. Auton Neurosci 2016; 194:52-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Revised: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Malik R, Ferguson AV. Hydrogen sulfide depolarizes neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract of the rat. Brain Res 2015; 1633:1-9. [PMID: 26721687 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter that has been described to affect the membrane potential of neurons in a number of brain areas. Using whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiological techniques, we investigated the effects of H2S on the membrane potential of neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Whole cell patch clamp recordings were obtained from 300 µm coronal NTS brain slices and bath application of the H2S donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS)(1mM, 5mM and 10mM) was shown to have clear concentration-dependent, reversible, depolarizing effects on the membrane potential of 95% of neurons tested (72/76), an effect which in 64% (46/72) of these responding neurons was followed by a hyperpolarization. In the presence of the voltage-gated sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX) and the glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid (KA), these depolarizing effects of 5 mM NaHS (5.0 ± 2.2 mV (n=7)) were still observed, although they were significantly reduced compared to regular aCSF (7.7 ± 2.0 mV (n=7), p*<0.05, paired t-test). We also demonstrated that hyperpolarizations in response to 5mM NaHS resulted from modulation of the KATP channel with recordings showing that following KATP channel block with glibenclamide these hyperpolarizing effects were abolished (Control -7.9 ± 1.2 mV, Glibenclamide -1.9 ± 0.9 mV (n=8) p<0.05, paired t-test). This study has for the first time described post-synaptic effects of this gasotransmitter on the membrane potential of NTS neurons and thus implicates this transmitter in regulating the diverse autonomic systems controlled by the NTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Malik
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6
| | - Alastair V Ferguson
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6.
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18
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Gotts J, Atkinson L, Edwards IJ, Yanagawa Y, Deuchars SA, Deuchars J. Co-expression of GAD67 and choline acetyltransferase reveals a novel neuronal phenotype in the mouse medulla oblongata. Auton Neurosci 2015; 193:22-30. [PMID: 26015156 PMCID: PMC4658331 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
GABAergic and cholinergic systems play an important part in autonomic pathways. To determine the distribution of the enzymes responsible for the production of GABA and acetylcholine in areas involved in autonomic control in the mouse brainstem, we used a transgenic mouse expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) neurones, combined with choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) immunohistochemistry. ChAT-immunoreactive (IR) and GAD67-GFP containing neurones were observed throughout the brainstem. A small number of cells contained both ChAT-IR and GAD67-GFP. Such double labelled cells were observed in the NTS (predominantly in the intermediate and central subnuclei), the area postrema, reticular formation and lateral paragigantocellular nucleus. All ChAT-IR neurones in the area postrema contained GAD67-GFP. Double labelled neurones were not observed in the dorsal vagal motor nucleus, nucleus ambiguus or hypoglossal nucleus. Double labelled ChAT-IR/GAD67-GFP cells in the NTS did not contain neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivity, whereas those in the reticular formation and lateral paragigantocellular nucleus did. The function of these small populations of double labelled cells is currently unknown, however their location suggests a potential role in integrating signals involved in oromotor behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jittima Gotts
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Atkinson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT United Kingdom
| | - Ian J Edwards
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT United Kingdom
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioural Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Susan A Deuchars
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT United Kingdom
| | - Jim Deuchars
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT United Kingdom.
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19
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Zoccal DB, Furuya WI, Bassi M, Colombari DSA, Colombari E. The nucleus of the solitary tract and the coordination of respiratory and sympathetic activities. Front Physiol 2014; 5:238. [PMID: 25009507 PMCID: PMC4070480 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that breathing introduces rhythmical oscillations in the heart rate and arterial pressure levels. Sympathetic oscillations coupled to the respiratory activity have been suggested as an important homeostatic mechanism optimizing tissue perfusion and blood gas uptake/delivery. This respiratory-sympathetic coupling is strengthened in conditions of blood gas challenges (hypoxia and hypercapnia) as a result of the synchronized activation of brainstem respiratory and sympathetic neurons, culminating with the emergence of entrained cardiovascular and respiratory reflex responses. Studies have proposed that the ventrolateral region of the medulla oblongata is a major site of synaptic interaction between respiratory and sympathetic neurons. However, other brainstem regions also play a relevant role in the patterning of respiratory and sympathetic motor outputs. Recent findings suggest that the neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), in the dorsal medulla, are essential for the processing and coordination of respiratory and sympathetic responses to hypoxia. The NTS is the first synaptic station of the cardiorespiratory afferent inputs, including peripheral chemoreceptors, baroreceptors and pulmonary stretch receptors. The synaptic profile of the NTS neurons receiving the excitatory drive from afferent inputs is complex and involves distinct neurotransmitters, including glutamate, ATP and acetylcholine. In the present review we discuss the role of the NTS circuitry in coordinating sympathetic and respiratory reflex responses. We also analyze the neuroplasticity of NTS neurons and their contribution for the development of cardiorespiratory dysfunctions, as observed in neurogenic hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Zoccal
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry of Araraquara, São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Werner I Furuya
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry of Araraquara, São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Mirian Bassi
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry of Araraquara, São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Débora S A Colombari
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry of Araraquara, São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Colombari
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry of Araraquara, São Paulo State University (UNESP) Araraquara, Brazil
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