CNS site of action and brainstem circuitry responsible for the intravenous effects of nicotine on gastric tone

CNS sites controlling the gastric pyloric sphincter: Neuroanatomical and functional study in the rat

The pyloric sphincter receives parasympathetic vagal innervation from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). However, little is known about its higher-order neurons and the nuclei that engage the DMV neurons controlling the pylorus. The purpose of the present study was twofold. First, to identify neuroanatomical connections between higher-order neurons and the DMV. This was carried out by using the transneuronal pseudorabies virus PRV-152 injected into rat pylorus torus and examining the brains of these animals for PRV labeling. Second, to identify the specific sites within the DMV that functionally control the motility and tone of the pyloric sphincter. For these studies, experiments were performed to assess the effect of DMV stimulation on pylorus activity in urethane-anesthetized male rats. A strain gauge force transducer was sutured onto the pyloric tonus to monitor tone and motility. L-glutamate (500 pmol/30 nL) was microinjected unilaterally into the rostral and caudal areas of the DMV. Data from the first study indicated that neurons labeled with PRV occurred in the DMV, hindbrain raphe nuclei, midbrain Edinger-Westphal nucleus, ventral tegmental area, lateral habenula, and arcuate nucleus. Data from the second study indicated that microinjected L-glutamate into the rostral DMV results in contraction of the pylorus blocked by intravenously administered atropine and ipsilateral vagotomy. L-glutamate injected into the caudal DMV relaxed the pylorus. This response was abolished by ipsilateral vagotomy but not by intravenously administered atropine or L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME). These findings identify the anatomical and functional brain neurocircuitry involved in controlling the pyloric sphincter. Our results also show that site-specific stimulation of the DMV can differentially influence the activity of the pyloric sphincter by separate vagal nerve pathways.

Availability of Central α4β2* Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Human Obesity

PURPOSE

Obesity is thought to arise, in part, from deficits in the inhibitory control over appetitive behavior. Such motivational processes are regulated by neuromodulators, specifically acetylcholine (ACh), via α4β2* nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChR). These nAChR are highly enriched in the thalamus and contribute to the thalamic gating of cortico-striatal signaling, but also act on the mesoaccumbal reward system. The changes in α4β2* nAChR availability, however, have not been demonstrated in human obesity thus far. The aim of our study was, thus, to investigate whether there is altered brain α4β2* nAChR availability in individuals with obesity compared to normal-weight healthy controls.

METHODS

We studied 15 non-smoking individuals with obesity (body mass index, BMI: 37.8 ± 3.1 kg/m²; age: 39 ± 14 years, 9 females) and 16 normal-weight controls (non-smokers, BMI: 21.9 ± 1.7 kg/m²; age: 28 ± 7 years, 13 females) by using PET and the α4β2* nAChR selective (-)-[¹⁸F]flubatine, which was applied within a bolus-infusion protocol (294 ± 16 MBq). Volume-of-interest (VOI) analysis was performed in order to calculate the regional total distribution volume (V_T).

RESULTS

No overall significant difference in V_T between the individuals with obesity and the normal-weight volunteers was found, while the V_T in the nucleus basalis of Meynert tended to be lower in the individuals with obesity (10.1 ± 2.1 versus 11.9 ± 2.2; p = 0.10), and the V_T in the thalamus showed a tendency towards higher values in the individuals with obesity (26.5 ± 2.5 versus 25.9 ± 4.2; p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

While these first data do not show greater brain α4β2* nAChR availability in human obesity overall, the findings of potentially aberrant α4β2* nAChR availability in the key brain regions that regulate feeding behavior merit further exploration.

Brainstem activation of GABAB receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius increases gastric motility

Background and aim

Local GABAergic signaling in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) is essential to control gastric function. While the inhibitory GABA_A receptor action on motility in the DVC is well-documented, the role of the GABA_B receptor on gastric function is less well-established. Microinjection of baclofen, a selective GABA_B receptor agonist, in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) increases gastric tone and motility, while the effect on motility in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) needs to be investigated. Previous in vitro studies showed that GABA_B receptors exert a local inhibitory effect in unidentified NTS neurons. Since the NTS and DMV nuclei have differential control of gastric motility, we compared GABA_B receptor activation in the NTS to that reported in the DMV. We microinjected baclofen unilaterally in the NTS while monitoring intragastric pressure and compared its action to optogenetic activation of somatostatin (SST) neurons in transgenic sst-Cre::channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) mice. We also performed patch-clamp recordings from SST and DMV neurons in brainstem slices from these mice.

Methods

In vivo drug injections and optogenetic stimulation were performed in fasted urethane/α-chloralose anesthetized male mice. Gastric tone and motility were monitored by an intragastric balloon inserted in the antrum and inflated with warm water to provide a baseline intragastric pressure (IGP). Coronal brainstem slices were obtained from the sst-Cre::ChR2 mice for interrogation with optogenetics and pharmacology using electrophysiology.

Results

The unilateral microinjection of baclofen into the NTS caused a robust increase in gastric tone and motility that was not affected by ipsilateral vagotomy. Optogenetic activation of SST neurons that followed baclofen effectively suppresses the gastric motility in vivo. In brain slices, baclofen suppressed spontaneous and light-activated inhibitory postsynaptic currents in SST and gastrointestinal-projection DMV neurons and produced outward currents.

Conclusion

Our results show that GABA_B receptors in the NTS strongly increase gastric tone and motility. Optogenetic stimulation in vivo and in vitro suggests that these receptors activated by baclofen suppress the glutamatergic sensory vagal afferents in the NTS and also inhibit the interneurons and the inhibitory neurons that project to the DMV, which, in turn, increase motility via a cholinergic excitatory pathway to the stomach.

Interactions between Brainstem Neurons That Regulate the Motility to the Stomach

Activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) is essential to gastric motility regulation. We and others have previously shown that this activity is greatly influenced by local GABAergic signaling, primarily because of somatostatin (SST)-expressing GABAergic neurons. To further understand the network dynamics associated with gastric motility control in the DVC, we focused on another neuron prominently distributed in this complex, neuropeptide-Y (NPY) neurons. However, the effect of these neurons on gastric motility remains unknown. Here, we investigate the anatomic and functional characteristics of the NPY neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and their interactions with SST neurons using transgenic mice of both sexes. We sought to determine whether NPY neurons influence the activity of gastric-projecting neurons, synaptically interact with SST neurons, and affect end-organ function. Our results using combined neuroanatomy and optogenetic in vitro and in vivo show that NPY neurons are part of the gastric vagal circuit as they are trans-synaptically labeled by a viral tracer from the gastric antrum, are primarily excitatory as optogenetic activation of these neurons evoke EPSCs in gastric-antrum-projecting neurons, are functionally coupled to each other and reciprocally connected to SST neurons, whose stimulation has a potent inhibitory effect on the action potential firing of the NPY neurons, and affect gastric tone and motility as reflected by their robust optogenetic response in vivo. These findings indicate that interacting NPY and SST neurons are integral to the network that controls vagal transmission to the stomach.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The brainstem neurons in the dorsal nuclear complex are essential for regulating vagus nerve activity that affects the stomach via tone and motility. Two distinct nonoverlapping populations of predominantly excitatory NPY neurons and predominantly inhibitory SST neurons form reciprocal connections with each other in the NTS and with premotor neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus to control gastric mechanics. Light activation and inhibition of NTS NPY neurons increased and decreased gastric motility, respectively, whereas both activation and inhibition of NTS SST neurons enhanced gastric motility.

Brainstem Neuronal Circuitries Controlling Gastric Tonic and Phasic Contractions: A Review

This review is on how current knowledge of brainstem control of gastric mechanical function unfolded over nearly four decades from the perspective of our research group. It describes data from a multitude of different types of studies involving retrograde neuronal tracing, microinjection of drugs, whole-cell recordings from rodent brain slices, receptive relaxation reflex, accommodation reflex, c-Fos experiments, immunohistochemical methods, electron microscopy, transgenic mice, optogenetics, and GABAergic signaling. Data obtained indicate the following: (1) nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS)-dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) noradrenergic connection is required for reflex control of the fundus; (2) second-order nitrergic neurons in the NTS are also required for reflex control of the fundus; (3) a NTS GABAergic connection is required for reflex control of the antrum; (4) a single DMV efferent pathway is involved in brainstem control of gastric mechanical function under most experimental conditions excluding the accommodation reflex. Dual-vagal effectors controlling cholinergic and non-adrenergic and non-cholinergic (NANC) input to the stomach may be part of the circuitry of this reflex. (5) GABAergic signaling within the NTS via Sst-GABA interneurons determine the basal (resting) state of gastric tone and phasic contractions. (6) For the vagal-vagal reflex to become operational, an endogenous opioid in the NTS is released and the activity of Sst-GABA interneurons is suppressed. From the data, we suggest that the CNS has the capacity to provide region-specific control over the proximal (fundus) and distal (antrum) stomach through engaging phenotypically different efferent inputs to the DMV.

α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors intrinsically influence body weight in mice

Desensitization of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) containing the β2 subunit is a potentially critical mechanism underlying the body weight (BW) reducing effects of nicotine. The purpose of this study was a) to determine the α subunit(s) that partners with the β2 subunit to form the nAChR subtype that endogenously regulates energy balance and b) to probe the extent to which nAChR desensitization could be involved in the regulation of BW. We demonstrate that deletion of either the α4 or the β2, but not the α5, subunit of the nAChR suppresses weight gain in a sex-dependent manner. Furthermore, chronic treatment with the β2-selective nAChR competitive antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE) in mice fed a high-fat diet suppresses weight gain. These results indicate that heteromeric α4β2 nAChRs play a role as intrinsic regulators of energy balance and that desensitizing or inhibiting this nAChR is likely a relevant mechanism and thus could be a strategy for weight loss.

GABAB Receptor Signaling in the Dorsal Motor Nucleus of the Vagus Stimulates Gastric Motility via a Cholinergic Pathway

Central nervous system regulation of the gastric tone and motility is primarily mediated via preganglionic neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). This is thought to occur by simultaneous engagement of both independent excitatory and inhibitory pathways from the DMV and has been proposed to underlie the opposing effects seen on gastric tone and motility in a number of in vivo models. Contrary to this view, we have been unable to find any evidence for this “dual effector” pathway. Since this possibility is so fundamental to how the brain-gut axis may interact in light of both peripheral and central demands, we decided to explore it further in two separate animal models previously used in conjunction with GABA_B signaling to report the existence of a “dual effector” pathway. Using anesthetized rats or ferrets, we microinjected baclofen (7.5 pmol; n = 6), a GABA_B agonist into the DMV of rats or intravenously administered it (0.5 mg/kg; n = 4) in ferrets. In rats, unilateral microinjection of baclofen into the DMV caused a robust dose-dependent increase in gastric tone and motility that was abolished by ipsilateral vagotomy and counteracted by pretreatment with atropine (0.1 mg/kg; IV). Similarly, as microinjection in the rats, IV administration of baclofen (0.5 mg/kg) in the ferrets induced its characteristic excitatory effects on gastric tone and motility, which were blocked by either pre- or post-treatment with atropine (0.1 mg/kg; IV). Altogether, our data provide evidence that the gastric musculature (other than the gastric sphincters) is regulated by a “single effector” DMV pathway using acetylcholine.

Effects of acute and chronic nicotine on catecholamine neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract

Nicotine is an addictive drug that has broad effects throughout the brain. One site of action is the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), where nicotine initiates a stress response and modulates cardiovascular and gastric function through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Catecholamine (CA) neurons in the NTS influence stress and gastric and cardiovascular reflexes, making them potential mediators of nicotine's effects; however nicotine's effect on these neurons is unknown. Here, we determined nicotine's actions on NTS-CA neurons by use of patch-clamp techniques in brain slices from transgenic mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein driven by the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter (TH-EGFP). Picospritzing nicotine both induced a direct inward current and increased the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in NTS-CA neurons, effects blocked by nonselective nAChR antagonists TMPH and MLA. The increase in sEPSC frequency was mimicked by nAChRα7 agonist AR-R17779 and blocked by nAChRα7 antagonist MG624. AR-R17779 also increased the firing of TH-EGFP neurons, an effect dependent on glutamate inputs, as it was blocked by the glutamate antagonist NBQX. In contrast, the nicotine-induced current was mimicked by nAChRα4β2 agonist RJR2403 and blocked by nAChRα4β2 antagonist DHβE. RJR2403 also increased the firing rate of TH-EGFP neurons independently of glutamate. Finally, both somatodendritic and sEPSC nicotine responses from NTS-CA neurons were larger in nicotine-dependent mice that had under gone spontaneous nicotine withdrawal. These results demonstrate that 1) nicotine activates NTS-CA neurons both directly, by inducing a direct current, and indirectly, by increasing glutamate inputs, and 2) NTS-CA nicotine responsiveness is altered during nicotine withdrawal.

Optogenetic and pharmacological evidence that somatostatin-GABA neurons are important regulators of parasympathetic outflow to the stomach

KEY POINTS

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) in the brainstem consists primarily of vagal preganglionic neurons that innervate postganglionic neurons of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The activity of the vagal preganglionic neurons is predominantly regulated by GABAergic transmission in the DMV. The present findings indicate that the overwhelming GABAergic drive present at the DMV is primarily from somatostatin positive GABA (Sst-GABA) DMV neurons. Activation of both melanocortin and μ-opioid receptors at the DMV inhibits Sst-GABA DMV neurons. Sst-GABA DMV neurons may serve as integrative targets for modulating vagal output activity to the stomach.

ABSTRACT

We have previously shown that local GABA signalling in the brainstem is an important determinant of vagally-mediated gastric activity. However, the neural identity of this GABA source is currently unknown. To determine this, we focused on the somatostatin positive GABA (Sst-GABA) interneuron in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV), a nucleus that is intimately involved in regulating gastric activity. Also of particular interest was the effect of melanocortin and μ-opioid agonists on neural activity of Sst-GABA DMV neurons because their in vivo administration in the DMV mimics GABA blockade in the nucleus. Experiments were conducted in brain slice preparation of transgenic adult Sst-IRES-Cre mice expressing tdTomato fluorescence, channelrhodopsin-2, archaerhodopsin or GCaMP3. Electrophysiological recordings were obtained from Sst-GABA DMV neurons or DiI labelled gastric-antrum projecting DMV neurons. Our results show that optogenetic stimulation of Sst-GABA neurons results in a robust inhibition of action potentials of labelled premotor DMV neurons to the gastric-antrum through an increase in inhibitory post-synaptic currents. The activity of the Sst-GABA neurons in the DMV is inhibited by both melanocortin and μ-opioid agonists. These agonists counteract the pronounced inhibitory effect of Sst-GABA neurons on vagal pre-motor neurons in the DMV that control gastric motility. These observations demonstrate that Sst-GABA neurons in the brainstem are crucial for regulating the activity of gastric output neurons in the DMV. Additionally, they suggest that these neurons serve as targets for converging CNS signals to regulate parasympathetic gastric function.

Possible role of afferent autonomic signals in abdominal organs in anorexic and cardiovascular responses to nicotine injection in rats

Smoking generally causes an increase in nicotine levels in the blood, affecting the brain components, such as the hypothalamus (feeding-related area) or the brain stem (cardiovascular control area). In terms of nicotine transmission to the brain, a new insight that the afferent vagal nerve in the liver is important for sensing increased nicotine levels in the blood and informing the brain was reported in an experiment with rats. However, it has not been clarified whether the afferent autonomic nerve system is implicated in feeding and cardiovascular responses to nicotine. Here, we examined the possible role of afferent autonomic nerve transmission in rats in regulating feeding behavior and cardiovascular functions by nicotine. An intravenous injection of nicotine dose dependently increased the blood pressure (BP) in urethane-anesthetized rats; high nicotine doses also led to an increase in BP in conscious rats. Further, an intravenous injection of nicotine for 3 days reduced food intake and body weight gain in rats. The weight-reducing action of intravenous nicotine was abolished by blocking the afferent sympathetic signals in the abdominal organs, but not the vagal nerve signals. Moreover, the hypertensive action of nicotine was not abolished either by afferent sympathectomy or by vagotomy. Thus, these data suggest that nicotine injected into the vein acts on the afferent sympathetic nerve in the abdominal organs and transmits signals to the brain for reducing body weight, but not for suppressing appetite or increasing BP.

Nicotine enhances inhibition of mouse vagal motor neurons by modulating excitability of premotor GABAergic neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii

The caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) serves as the site of the first synapse for visceral sensory inputs to the central nervous system. The NTS sends functional projections to multiple brain nuclei, with gastric-related projections primarily targeting the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). Previous studies have demonstrated that the majority of caudal NTS neurons that project to the DMV respond robustly to nicotine and express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, the cytochemical identity and relationship with specific viscera of DMV-projecting, nicotine-responsive caudal NTS neurons have not been determined. The present study used transgenic mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under a GAD67 promoter in a subset of GABAergic neurons, in vivo retrograde pseudorabies viral labeling to identify gastric-related vagal complex neurons, and patch-clamp electrophysiology in acute brain stem slices to test the hypothesis that gastric-related and GABAergic inhibitory synaptic input to the DMV from the caudal NTS is under a robust modulatory control by nAChRs. Our results suggest that activation of nAChRs in the caudal NTS, but not DMV, potentiates GABAergic, but not glutamatergic, input to the DMV. Gastric-related caudal NTS and DMV neurons are directly involved in this nicotine-sensitive circuitry. Understanding the central patterns of nicotinic modulation of visceral sensory-motor circuitry may help develop therapeutic interventions to restore autonomic homeostasis in patients with autonomic impairments.

Sex- and smoke-related differences in gastrointestinal transit of cyclosporin A microemulsion capsules

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the sex and the smoking status on the pharmacokinetics and the bioequivalence assessment of a branded and a generic cyclosporine A microemulsion formulation in soft-gelatin capsule. Sixteen healthy volunteers (eight women and eight men) participated in a CyA bioequivalence study, with nine of the volunteers being smokers. Sandimmun Neoral® (brand formulation; Reference) and Sigmasporin Microral® (generic formulation; Test) were administered under fasting conditions. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated through non compartmental analysis. Bioequivalence was declared based on the 90% confidence intervals (90% CI) for the T/R ratio of the geometric means for each parameter. In vitro determination of the capsules opening time was performed in simulated gastric fluid without enzyme with USP Apparatus 2. The extent of absorption was similar between both products for all subjects or each sex-group. The absorption rate was similar for both products when considering all subjects, whereas a significant difference in the TMAX between the two products was observed for the male subjects only, which relates to its slower capsule opening time observed in vitro (12.4 versus 6.0 min). No differences were observed in women that could relate to their slower gastric emptying. Differences in drug exposure were observed between smokers and non-smokers. Sex- and smoke-related differences in the gastrointestinal transit should be considered when the on-set time would be determinant for the treatment success of a drug.

Projection target-specific action of nicotine in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract

The brainstem nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the key integrating relay in the central processing of sensory information from the thoracic and from most subdiaphragmatic viscera. Modulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic activity in the NTS by nicotinic agents can have potent effects on vital physiological functions, such as feeding, digestion, respiration, and blood circulation. Caudal NTS neurons demonstrate considerable heterogeneity in projection targets, synaptic properties, and expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, despite its heterogeneity, the caudal NTS may contain discrete subsets of neurons with unique projection target-specific properties. To test this hypothesis, we used in vivo fluorescent tracing and ex vivo patch-clamp electrophysiology to evaluate responsiveness to nicotine of anatomically identified caudal NTS neurons that project to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the brainstem caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM). The results of this study demonstrate that responsiveness to nicotine correlates with where the neurons project. Specifically, PVN-projecting caudal NTS neurons respond to nicotine only presynaptically (i.e., via activation of presynaptic nAChRs and potentiation of synaptic release of glutamate), suggesting indirect, glutamate-dependent effects of nicotine on the PVN-projecting NTS circuitry. By contrast, CVLM-projecting caudal NTS neurons exhibit only limited presynaptic, but dominant somatodendritic, responsiveness to nicotine, suggesting that the effects of nicotine on the CVLM-projecting NTS circuitry are direct and largely glutamate independent. Understanding the relationships among function-specific brainstem/hypothalamic neuronal networks, nuclei, and individual neurons could help develop therapies targeting identifiable neuronal circuits to offset impaired autonomic homeostasis.

Ghrelin increases vagally mediated gastric activity by central sites of action

BACKGROUND

Vagally dependent gastric reflexes are mediated through vagal afferent fibers synapsing upon neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) which, in turn modulate the preganglionic parasympathetic dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons within the medullary dorsal vagal complex (DVC). The expression and transport of ghrelin receptors has been documented for the afferent vagus nerve, and functional studies have confirmed that vagal pathways are integral to ghrelin-induced stimulation of gastric motility. However, the central actions of ghrelin within the DVC have not been explored fully.

METHODS

We assessed the responses to ghrelin in fasted rats using: (i) in vivo measurements of gastric tone and motility following IVth ventricle application or unilateral microinjection of ghrelin into the DVC and (ii) whole cell recordings from gastric-projecting neurons of the DMV.

KEY RESULTS

(i) IVth ventricle application or unilateral microinjection of ghrelin into the DVC-elicited contractions of the gastric corpus via excitation of a vagal cholinergic efferent pathway and (ii) ghrelin facilitates excitatory, but not inhibitory, presynaptic transmission to DMV neurons.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Our data indicate that ghrelin acts centrally by activating excitatory synaptic inputs onto DMV neurons, resulting in increased cholinergic drive by way of vagal motor innervation to the stomach.

Substance P induces gastric mucosal protection at supraspinal level via increasing the level of endomorphin-2 in rats

The aim of the present study was to analyze the potential role of substance P (SP) in gastric mucosal defense and to clarify the receptors and mechanisms that may be involved in it. Gastric ulceration was induced by oral administration of acidified ethanol in male Wistar rats. Mucosal levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and somatostatin were determined by radioimmunoassay. For analysis of gastric motor activity the rubber balloon method was used. We found that central (intracerebroventricular) injection of SP (9.3-74 pmol) dose-dependently inhibited the formation of ethanol-induced ulcers, while intravenously injected SP (0.37-7.4 nmol/kg) had no effect. The mucosal protective effect of SP was inhibited by pretreatment with neurokinin 1-, neurokinin 2-, neurokinin 3- and μ-opioid receptor antagonists, while δ- and κ-opioid receptor antagonists had no effect. Endomorphin-2 antiserum also antagonized the SP-induced mucosal protection. In the gastroprotective dose range SP failed to influence the gastric motor activity. Inhibition of muscarinic cholinergic receptors, or the synthesis of nitric oxide or prostaglandins significantly reduced the effect of SP. In addition, centrally injected SP reversed the ethanol-induced reduction of gastric mucosal CGRP content. It can be concluded, that SP may induce gastric mucosal protection initiated centrally. Its protective effect is likely to be mediated by endomorphin-2, and vagal nerve may convey the centrally initiated protection to the periphery, where both prostaglandins, nitric oxide and CGRP are involved in mediating this effect.

Responsiveness to nicotine of neurons of the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract correlates with the neuronal projection target

The caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the key integrating center of visceral sensory-motor signaling supporting autonomic homeostasis. Two key projections of this nucleus are the parabrachial nucleus (PbN) and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). The PbN integrates and relays viscerosensory information primarily to the forebrain, supporting behavioral, emotional, and endocrine responses to visceral events, while the DMV contains parasympathetic preganglionic cholinergic motoneurons that support primarily gastrointestinal reflexes. Subsets of caudal NTS neurons express presynaptic and somatodendritic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, the anatomical identification of nicotine-responsive caudal NTS neurons has not been determined. This study used in vivo and ex vivo fluorescent tracing and slice patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings from anatomically identified caudal NTS neurons to test the hypothesis that the responsiveness of these cells to nicotine correlates with the target of their axonal projections. The results demonstrate that the majority of glutamatergic terminals that synapse on PbN-projecting caudal NTS neurons are unaffected by nicotine. Moreover, only a fraction of these cells express somatodendritic nAChRs. In contrast, the majority of DMV-projecting caudal NTS neurons exhibit robust presynaptic and somatodendritic responsiveness to nicotine. However, PbN-projecting neurons also exhibit significantly lower background frequencies of glutamatergic miniature postsynaptic currents than DMV-projecting neurons. Therefore, presynaptic unresponsiveness to nicotine may result from deficient glutamatergic innervation of PbN-projecting neurons. Nevertheless, the caudal NTS contains function-specific subsets of cells with target-specific responsiveness to nicotine. These results may support development of therapeutic strategies for selective targeting of specific autonomic pathways and impaired autonomic homeostasis.

Effects of cigarette smoke exposure on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits α7 and β2 in the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) brainstem

It is postulated that nicotine, as the main neurotoxic constituent of cigarette smoke, influences SIDS risk through effects on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in brainstem nuclei that control respiration and arousal. This study compared α7 and β2 nAChR subunit expression in eight nuclei of the caudal and rostral medulla and seven nuclei of the pons between SIDS (n=46) and non-SIDS infants (n=14). Evaluation for associations with known SIDS risk factors included comparison according to whether infants had a history of exposure to cigarette smoke in the home, and stratification for sleep position and gender. Compared to non-SIDS infants, SIDS infants had significantly decreased α7 in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS), gracile and cuneate nuclei, with decreased β2 in the cNTS and increased β2 in the facial. When considering only the SIDS cohort: 1-cigarette smoke exposure was associated with increased α7 in the vestibular nucleus and increased β2 in the rostral dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, rNTS and Cuneate, 2-there was a gender interaction for α7 in the gracile and cuneate, and β2 in the cNTS and rostral arcuate nucleus, and 3-there was no effect of sleep position on α7, but prone sleep was associated with decreased β2 in three nuclei of the pons. In conclusion, SIDS infants demonstrate differences in expression of α7 and β2 nAChRs within brainstem nuclei that control respiration and arousal, which is independent on prior history of cigarette smoke exposure, especially for the NTS, with additional differences for smoke exposure (β2), gender (α7 and β2) and sleep position (β2) evident.

Ultrastructural evidence for selective GABAergic innervation of CNS vagal projections to the antrum of the rat

We reported pharmacological data suggesting that stimulation of a vago-vagal reflex activates GABAergic neurons in the hindbrain that inhibit dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons projecting to the antrum, but not to the fundus (Ferreira et al., 2002). The purpose of this study was to use an ultrastructural approach to test the hypothesis that GABAergic terminals form synapses with DMV antrum-projecting neurons, but not with DMV fundus-projecting neurons. A retrograde tracer, CTB-HRP, was injected into the gastric smooth muscle of either the fundus or the antrum of anesthetized rats. Animals were re-anesthetized 48 h later and perfusion-fixed with acrolein and paraformaldehyde. Brainstems were processed histochemically for CTB-HRP, and immunocytochemically for glutamic acid decarboxylase isoenzyme 67 immunoreactivity (GAD67-IR) by dual-labeling electron microscopic methods. Most cell bodies and dendrites of neurons that were retrogradely labeled from the stomach occurred at the level of the area postrema. Examination of 214 synapses on 195 neurons that projected to the antrum revealed that 23.0+/-3.6% (n = 4) of synaptic contacts were with GAD67-IR terminals. The examination of 220 synapses on 203 fundus-projecting neurons revealed that only 7.9+/-3.1% (n = 4) of synaptic contacts were with GAD67-IR terminals. The difference between GAD67-IR synaptic contacts with antrum- and fundus-projecting neurons was statistically significant (p<0.05). These data suggest that brainstem circuitry controlling the antrum involves GABAergic transmission.

Effects of Z-338, a novel gastroprokinetic agent, on the actions of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters on neurons in area postrema

We investigated the effects of the novel gastroprokinetic agent Z-338 on the actions of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters on neurons in area postrema (AP). Iontophoretic applications of acetylcholine (ACh), AMPA and NMDA increased, while GABA suppressed the firing rates of AP neurons recorded by extracellular electrodes. Z-338 (10 microM) suppressed the ACh-induced acceleratory and GABA-induced inhibitory actions without affecting the excitatory actions of AMPA and NMDA. Under voltage-clamp conditions, nicotine, NMDA, kainic acid (KA) and ATP evoked inward currents in dissociated single AP neurons recorded by whole-cell patch clamp technique, and GABA produced outward currents, at holding potentials (V(H)) of -60 or 0 mV. Z-338 (>3 microM) specifically suppressed the nicotine- and GABA-induced currents without affecting the currents induced by NMDA, KA and ATP. In addition, we found that Z-338 (30 microM) suppressed the spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) recorded from AP neurons in slice preparations. Experiments with microelectrode and histochemical methods revealed the presence of direct excitatory and di-synaptic inhibitory neural connections from AP to dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). In some AP neurons, Z-338 (10 microM) enhanced the spontaneous firing rates recorded by extracellular electrode. The excitatory or inhibitory effects of Z-338 on the firing rates or actions of nicotine and GABA on AP neurons observed in the present study may explain the postmeal relaxation induced by Z-338 in patients with functional dyspepsia.

Time-course of recovery of gastric emptying and motility in rats with experimental spinal cord injury

We have shown recently that spinal cord injury (SCI) decreases basal gastric contractions 3 days after injury. In the present study we used the [(13)C]-octanoic acid breath test and gastric strain gauges with the aim to investigate the time-course of recovery from postinjury gastric stasis in rats that underwent experimental SCI at the level of the third thoracic (T3) vertebra. Following verification of the [(13)C]-breath test sensitivity in uninjured rats, we conducted our experiments in rats that underwent T3-spinal contusion injury (T3-CI), T3-spinal transection (T3-TX) or laminectomy (control) surgery at 3 days, 1, 3 or 6 weeks postinjury. Our data show that compared to rats that underwent laminectomy, rats that received SCI showed a significant reduction in the cumulative per cent [(13)C] recovery. Although more marked in T3-TX rats, the delayed gastric emptying in T3-CI and T3-TX rats was comparable in the 3 days to 3 weeks period postinjury. At 6 weeks postinjury, the gastric emptying in T3-CI rats recovered to baseline values. Conversely animals in the T3-TX group still show a significantly reduced gastric emptying. Interestingly, the almost complete functional recovery observed in T3-CI rats using the [(13)C]-breath test was not reflected by analysis of spontaneous gastric contractions after SCI. These data indicate that T3-SCI produces a significant reduction in gastric emptying independent of injury severity (T3-CI vs T3-TX) that persists for at least 3 weeks after injury. However, 6 weeks postinjury T3-CI, but not T3-TX, rats begin to demonstrate functional recovery of gastric emptying.

GABA signaling in the nucleus tractus solitarius sets the level of activity in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus cholinergic neurons in the vagovagal circuit

It has been proposed that there is an "apparent monosynaptic" connection between gastric vagal afferent nerve terminals and inhibitory projection neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and that two efferent parallel pathways from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) influence peripheral organs associated with these reflexes (6). The purpose of our study was to verify the validity of these views as they relate to basal control of gastric motility. To test the validity of a direct connection of vagal afferent terminals (known to release l-glutamate) directly impacting second-order projection neurons, we evaluated the effect of GABA(A) receptor blockade in the area of the medial subnucleus of the tractus solitarius (mNTS) on gastric motility. Microinjection of bicuculline methiodide into the mNTS produced robust decreases in gastric motility (-1.6 +/- 0.2 mmHg, P < 0.05, n = 23), which were prevented by cervical vagotomy and by pretreatment with kynurenic acid microinjected into the mNTS. Kynurenic acid per se had no effect on gastric motility. However, after GABA(A) receptor blockade in the mNTS, kynurenic acid produced a robust increase in gastric motility. To test for the contribution of two parallel efferent DMV pathways, we assessed the effect of either intravenous atropine methylbromide or N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester on baseline motility and on decreases in gastric motility induced by GABA(A) receptor blockade in the mNTS. Only atropine methylbromide altered baseline motility and prevented the effects of GABA(A) receptor blockade on gastric motility. Our data demonstrate the presence of intra-NTS GABAergic signaling between the vagal afferent nerve terminals and inhibitory projection neurons in the NTS and that the cholinergic-cholinergic excitatory pathway comprises the functionally relevant efferent arm of the vagovagal circuit.

Cardiovascular effects of activation of central alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nAChRs: a role for vasopressin in anaesthetized rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Central application of nicotine causes the release of vasopressin and affects blood pressure. Involvement of the 5 neuronal nicotinic receptor groups, alpha2(*)-alpha7(*) in these effects is unknown. The availability of selective agonists for alpha7 (PSAB-OFP) and alpha4beta2 (TC-2559) nACh receptors allowed their role to be investigated.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Recordings were made of arterial blood pressure, heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity in anaesthetized male rats with neuromuscular blockade and artificial respiration. Effects of the agonists, PSAB-OFP (1-10 micromol kg(-1)) and TC-2559 (1-10 micromol kg(-1)) on these variables given intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) and intracisternally (i.c.) in the presence or absence of the antagonists, DhbetaE (10 micromol kg(-1)) and MLA (0.5 micromol kg(-1)), for the appropriate nicotinic receptor subtypes, respectively, and a V(1) receptor antagonist, given i.v. or centrally, were investigated.

KEY RESULTS

Both agonists given i.c.v. caused a delayed rise in blood pressure and renal nerve activity which could be blocked only with the appropriate antagonist. The agonists had an earlier onset of action when given i.c., favouring the brainstem as the major site of action. The effects of these agonists were also attenuated by the V(1) receptor antagonist given i.v. and blocked when this antagonist was given centrally. Antagonists had no effect on baseline variables.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Activation of alpha4beta2 and alpha7 receptors in the brainstem is mainly responsible for the cardiovascular effects of activating these receptors, which have a similar profile of action. These actions, although independent, are mediated by the central release of vasopressin.

Characterization of noradrenergic transmission at the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus involved in reflex control of fundus tone

Quantitative analysis of innervation to dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) fundus-projecting neurons indicates that approximately 17% of input neurons are noradrenergic. To determine whether this small percentage of neurons innervating DMV output to the stomach is physiologically relevant, we evaluated the role of norepinephrine at the DMV in mediating a vagovagal reflex controlling the fundus. A strain gauge was sutured onto the fundus of isoflurane-anesthetized rats to monitor changes in tone evoked by esophageal distension (ED). ED produced a decrease in fundus tone of 0.31 +/- 0.02 g (P < 0.05), which could be reproduced after a 30-min interval between distensions. Bilateral cervical vagotomy and/or pretreatment with intravenous atropine methylbromide prevented the reflex-induced fundus relaxation. In contrast, intravenous N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester had no effect. Bilateral microinjection of alpha2-adrenoreceptor antagonists (yohimbine and RS-79948) into the DMV also prevented the response. Before microinjection of alpha2-adrenoreceptor antagonists, ED decreased fundus tone by 0.33 +/- 0.05 g (P < 0.05). After antagonist microinjection, ED decreased fundus tone by only 0.05 +/- 0.06 g (P > 0.05). Bilateral microinjection of prazosin into the DMV had no effect on the response. Microinjection of norepinephrine into the DMV mimicked the effect of ED and was also prevented by prior microinjection of an alpha2-adrenoreceptor antagonist. Our results indicate that noradrenergic innervation of DMV fundus-projecting neurons is physiologically important and suggest that norepinephrine released at the DMV acts on alpha2-adrenoreceptors to inhibit activity in a cholinergic-cholinergic excitatory pathway to the fundus.

Dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus: a site for evoking simultaneous changes in crural diaphragm activity, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and fundus tone

The sphincter mechanism at the esophagogastric junction includes smooth muscle of the lower esophagus and skeletal muscle of the crural diaphragm (CD). Smooth muscle is known to be under the control of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV), while central nervous system (CNS) control of the CD is unknown. The main purposes of our study were to determine the CNS site that controls the CD and whether simultaneous changes in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and CD activity occur when this site is activated. Experiments were performed on anesthetized male ferrets whose LES pressure, CD activity, and fundus tone were monitored. To activate DMV neurons, L-glutamate was microinjected unilaterally into the DMV at three areas: intermediate, rostral, and caudal. Stimulation of the intermediate DMV decreased CD activity (-4.8 +/- 0.1 bursts/min and -0.3 +/- 0.01 mV) and LES pressure (-13.2 +/- 2.0 mmHg; n = 9). Stimulation of this brain site also produced an increase in fundus tone. Stimulation of the rostral DMV elicited increases in the activity of all three target organs (n = 5). Stimulation of the caudal DMV had no effect on the CD but did decrease both LES pressure and fundus tone (n = 5). All changes in LES pressure, fundus tone, and some DMV-induced changes in CD activity (i.e., bursts/min) were prevented by ipsilateral vagotomy. Our data indicate that simultaneous changes in activity of esophagogastric sphincters and fundus tone occur from rostral and intermediate areas of the DMV and that these changes are largely mediated by efferent vagus nerves.

Ultrastructural evidence for selective noradrenergic innervation of CNS vagal projections to the fundus of the rat

We reported pharmacological data suggesting that stimulation of the vago-vagal reflex activates noradrenergic neurons in the hindbrain that inhibit dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons projecting to the fundus, but not to the antrum [Ferreira Jr., M., Sahibzada, N., Shi, M., Panico, W., Neidringhaus, M., Wasserman, A., Kellar, K.J., Verbalis, J., Gillis, R.A., 2002. CNS site of action and brainstem circuitry responsible for the intravenous effects of nicotine on gastric tone. J. Neurosci. 22, 2764-2779.]. The purpose of this study was to use an ultrastructural approach to test the hypothesis that noradrenergic terminals form synapses with DMV fundus-projecting neurons, but not with DMV antrum-projecting neurons. A retrograde tracer, CTbeta-HRP, was injected into the gastric smooth muscle of either the fundus or the antrum of rats. Animals were re-anesthetized 48 h later and perfusion-fixed with acrolein and paraformaldehyde. Brainstems were processed histochemically for CTbeta-HRP, and immunocytochemically for either DbetaH or PNMT by dual-labeling electron microscopic methods. Most cell bodies and dendrites of neurons that were retrogradely labeled from the stomach occurred at the level of the area postrema. Examination of 482 synapses on 238 neurons that projected to the fundus revealed that 17.4+/-2.7% (n=4) of synaptic contacts were with DbetaH-IR terminals. Of 165 fundus-projecting neurons, 4.4+/-1.5% (n=4) formed synaptic contacts with PNMT-IR terminals. In contrast, the examination of 384 synapses on 223 antrum-projecting neurons revealed no synaptic contact with DbetaH-IR terminals. These data provide proof that norepinephrine containing nerve terminals synapse with DMV fundus-projecting neurons but not with DMV antrum-projecting neurons. These data also suggest that brainstem circuitry controlling the fundus differs from circuitry controlling the antrum.

Nicotine-Induced Norepinephrine Release in Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus and Amygdala Is Mediated by N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptors and Nitric Oxide in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius

The noradrenergic projections from brainstem nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) to hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and amygdala (AMYG) are involved in nicotine-related stress responses and drug craving. Previous studies demonstrated that i.v. nicotine-induced norepinephrine (NE) release in the PVN and AMYG depends on nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the brainstem. However, the direct site and mechanism of nicotine's action in brainstem are unknown. The present study determined the roles of NTS ionotropic glutamate receptors and nitric oxide (NO) in the effects of both local and systemic nicotine on NE release in PVN and AMYG. In male rats, an intra-NTS microinjection of nicotine (1.2 microg free base) or i.v. nicotine infusion (0.065 or 0.09 mg/kg) significantly increased NE levels in PVN and AMYG microdialysates. Prior microinjection of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (0.75 or 1.5 microg), but not an alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor antagonist, dose dependently nearly abolished both PVN and AMYG NE responses to nicotine administered into NTS or systemically. NO involvement was assessed with intra-NTS microinjections of the nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (10-30 nmol), or the NO scavenger, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (0.1-0.2 nmol); both agents dose dependently inhibited i.v. nicotine-induced NE release. These results indicate that nicotine-induced NE release in PVN and AMYG is mediated entirely through the local effects of nicotine on NTS glutamate afferents and NMDA receptors that, in part, stimulate NO production, resulting in activation of noradrenergic neurons. Therefore, nicotine acts indirectly on noradrenergic NTS neurons to elicit NE release in forebrain structures.

A reevaluation of the effects of stimulation of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus on gastric motility in the rat

Our primary purpose was to characterize vagal pathways controlling gastric motility by microinjecting l-glutamate into the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) in the rat. An intragastric balloon was used to monitor motility. In 39 out of 43 experiments, microinjection of l-glutamate into different areas of the DMV rostral to calamus scriptorius (CS) resulted in vagally mediated excitatory effects on motility. We observed little evidence for inhibitory effects, even with intravenous atropine or with activation of gastric muscle muscarinic receptors by intravenous bethanechol. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) HCl did not augment DMV-evoked excitatory effects on gastric motility. Microinjection of l-glutamate into the DMV caudal to CS produced vagally mediated gastric inhibition that was resistant to l-NAME. l-Glutamate microinjected into the medial subnucleus of the tractus solitarius (mNTS) also produced vagally mediated inhibition of gastric motility. Motility responses evoked from the DMV were always blocked by ipsilateral vagotomy, while responses evoked from the mNTS required bilateral vagotomy to be blocked. Microinjection of oxytocin into the DMV inhibited gastric motility, but the effect was never blocked by ipsilateral vagotomy, suggesting that the effect may have been due to diffusion of oxytocin to the mNTS. Microinjection of substance P and N-methyl-d-aspartate into the DMV also produced inhibitory effects attributable to excitation of nearby mNTS neurons. Our results do not support previous studies indicating parallel vagal excitatory and inhibitory pathways originating in the DMV rostral to CS. Our results do support previous findings of vagal inhibitory pathways originating in the DMV caudal to CS.

Brainstem circuits regulating gastric function

Brainstem parasympathetic circuits that modulate digestive functions of the stomach are comprised of afferent vagal fibers, neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), and the efferent fibers originating in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). A large body of evidence has shown that neuronal communications between the NTS and the DMV are plastic and are regulated by the presence of a variety of neurotransmitters and circulating hormones as well as the presence, or absence, of afferent input to the NTS. These data suggest that descending central nervous system inputs as well as hormonal and afferent feedback resulting from the digestive process can powerfully regulate vago-vagal reflex sensitivity. This paper first reviews the essential "static" organization and function of vago-vagal gastric control neurocircuitry. We then present data on the opioidergic modulation of NTS connections with the DMV as an example of the "gating" of these reflexes, i.e., how neurotransmitters, hormones, and vagal afferent traffic can make an otherwise static autonomic reflex highly plastic.

Esophageal-gastric relaxation reflex in rat: dual control of peripheral nitrergic and cholinergic transmission

It has long been known that the esophageal distension produced by swallowing elicits a powerful proximal gastric relaxation. Gastroinhibitory control by the esophagus involves neural pathways from esophageal distension-sensitive neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius centralis (cNTS) with connections to virtually all levels of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). We have shown recently that cNTS responses are excitatory and primarily involve tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells, whereas the DMV response involves both an alpha1 excitatory and an alpha2 inhibitory response. In the present study, using an esophageal balloon distension to evoke gastric relaxation (esophageal-gastric reflex, EGR), we investigated the peripheral pharmacological basis responsible for this reflex. Systemic administration of atropine methyl nitrate reduced the amplitude of the gastric relaxation to 52.0+/-4.4% of the original EGR, whereas NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) reduced it to 26.3+/-7.2% of the original EGR. Concomitant administration of atropine methyl nitrate and L-NAME reduced the amplitude of the gastric relaxation to 4.0+/-2.5% of control. This reduction in the amplitude of induced EGR is quite comparable (4.3+/-2.6%) to that seen when the animal was pretreated with the nicotinic ganglionic blocker hexamethonium. In the presence of bethanechol, the amplitude of the esophageal distension-induced gastric relaxation was increased to 177.0+/-10.0% of control; administration of L-NAME reduced this amplitude to 19.9+/-9.5%. Our data provide a clear demonstration that the gastroinhibitory control by the esophagus is mediated via a dual vagal innervation consisting of inhibitory nitrergic and excitatory cholinergic transmission.

Characterisation of alpha2-adrenoceptor subtypes involved in gastric emptying, gastric motility and gastric mucosal defence

The effect of clonidine on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage, gastric emptying and gastric motility was compared. The clonidine-induced gastroprotective effect (0.03-0.09 micromol/kg, s.c.) was antagonised by yohimbine (5 micromol/kg, s.c.), prazosin (0.23 micromol/kg; alpha2B-adrenoceptor antagonist) and naloxone (1.3 micromol/kg, s.c.). Clonidine also inhibited the gastric emptying of liquid meal (0.75-3.75 micromol/kg, s.c.) and gastric motor activity (0.75 micromol/kg, i.v.) stimulated by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (300 mg/kg, i.v.). Inhibition of gastric emptying and motility was reversed by yohimbine (5 and 10 micromol/kg, s.c., respectively), but not by prazosin (0.23 micromol/kg, s.c.) or naloxone (1.3 micromol/kg, s.c.). Oxymetazoline-an alpha2A-adrenoceptor agonist-inhibited both gastric emptying (0.67-6.8 micromol/kg, s.c.) and motility (0.185-3.4 micromol/kg, i.v.), whereas it failed to affect gastric mucosal lesions. The results indicate that in contrast to the gastroprotective effect, which is mediated by alpha2B-adrenoceptor subtype, alpha2A-adrenoceptor subtype may be responsible for inhibition of gastric emptying and motility. However, the site of action (central, peripheral, both) remains to be established.

Hindbrain chemical mediators of reflex-induced inhibition of gastric tone produced by esophageal distension and intravenous nicotine

The purpose of this study was to activate a vagovagal reflex by using esophageal distension and nicotine and test whether hindbrain nitric oxide and norepinephrine are involved in this reflex function. We used double-labeling immunocytochemical methods to determine whether esophageal distension (and nicotine) activates c-Fos expression in nitrergic and noradrenergic neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). We also studied c-Fos expression in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons projecting to the periphery. Esophageal distension caused 19.7 +/- 2.3% of the noradrenergic NTS neurons located 0.60 mm rostral to the calamus scriptorius (CS) to be activated but had little effect on c-Fos in DMV neurons. Intravenous administration of nicotine caused 19.7 +/- 4.2% of the noradrenergic NTS neurons 0.90 mm rostral to CS to be activated and, as reported previously, had no effect on c-Fos expression in DMV neurons. To determine whether norepinephrine and nitric oxide were central mediators of esophageal distension-induced decrease in intragastric pressure (balloon recording), N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester microinjected into the NTS (n = 5), but not into the DMV, blocked the vagovagal reflex. Conversely, alpha2-adrenergic blockers microinjected into the DMV (n = 7), but not into the NTS, blocked the vagovagal reflex. These data, in combination with our earlier pharmacological microinjection data with nicotine, indicate that both esophageal distension and nicotine produce nitric oxide in the NTS, which then activates noradrenergic neurons that terminate on and inhibit DMV neurons.

Glucose does not activate nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory neurons in the rat stomach

We reported previously that intravenously administered d-glucose acts in the central nervous system to inhibit gastric motility induced by hypoglycemia in anesthetized rats. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this effect is due to inhibition of dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) cholinergic motoneurons, which synapse with postganglionic cholinergic neurons, or to excitation of DMV cholinergic neurons, which synapse with postganglionic nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) neurons, particularly nitrergic neurons. Three approaches were employed: 1) assessment of the efficacy of d-glucose-induced inhibition of gastric motility in hypoglycemic rats with and without inhibition of nitric oxide synthase [10 mg/kg iv nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)], 2) assessment of the efficacy of intravenous bethanechol (30 mug.kg(-1).min(-1)) to stimulate gastric motility in hypoglycemic rats during the time of d-glucose-induced inhibition of gastric motility, and 3) determination of c-Fos expression in DMV neurons after intravenous d-glucose was administered to normoglycemic rats. Results obtained demonstrated that l-NAME treatment had no effect on d-glucose-induced inhibition of gastric motility; there was no reduction in the efficacy of intravenous bethanechol to increase gastric motility, and c-Fos expression was not induced by d-glucose in DMV neurons that project to the stomach. These findings indicate that excitation of DMV cholinergic motoneurons that synapse with postganglionic NANC neurons is not a significant contributing component of d-glucose-induced inhibition of gastric motility.

Alpha-1 adrenergic input to solitary nucleus neurones: calcium oscillations, excitation and gastric reflex control

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) processes substantial visceral afferent input and sends divergent projections to a wide array of CNS targets. The NST is essential to the maintenance of behavioural and autonomic homeostasis and is the source, as well as the recipient, of considerable noradrenergic (NE) projections. The significance of NE projections from the NST to other CNS regions has long been appreciated, but the nature of NE action on NST neurones themselves, especially on the alpha-1 receptor subtype, is controversial. We used a combination of methodologies to establish, systematically, the effects and cellular basis of action of the alpha-1 agonist, phenylephrine (PHE), to control NST neurones responsible for vago-vagal reflex regulation of the stomach. Immunocytochemical and retrograde tracing studies verified that the area postrema, A2, A5, ventrolateral medulla and locus coeruleus regions are sources of catecholaminergic input to the NST. In vivo electrophysiological recordings showed that PHE activates physiologically identified, second-order gastric sensory NST neurones. In vivo microinjection of PHE onto NST neurones caused a significant reduction in gastric tone. Finally, in vitro calcium imaging studies revealed that PHE caused dramatic cytosolic calcium oscillations in NST neurones. These oscillations are probably the result of an interplay between agonist-induced and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))-mediated intracellular calcium release and Ca(2+)-ATPase control of intracellular calcium storage pumps. The oscillations persisted even in perfusions of zero calcium-EGTA Krebs solution suggesting that the calcium oscillation is mediated principally by intracellular calcium release-reuptake mechanisms. Cyclical activation of the NST may function to increase the responsiveness of these neurones to incoming afferent input (i.e., elevate the "gain"). An increase in gain of afferent input may cause an amplification of the response part of the reflex and help explain the powerful effects that alpha-1 agonists have in suppressing gastric motility and producing anorexia.

Glucose acts in the CNS to regulate gastric motility during hypoglycemia

Our purposes were to 1) develop an animal model where intravenously (iv) administered d-glucose consistently inhibited antral motility, and 2) use this model to assess whether iv glucose acts to inhibit motility from a peripheral or a central nervous system site and to elucidate the factor(s) that determine(s) whether stomach motor function is sensitive to changes in blood glucose. Rats were anesthetized with alpha-chloralose-urethane, and antral motility was measured by a strain-gauge force transducer sutured to the antrum. In some cases, antral motility and gastric tone were measured by monitoring intragastric balloon pressure. Increases in blood glucose were produced by continuous iv infusion of 25% d-glucose at 2 ml/h. Inhibition of antral motility and gastric tone was observed when gastric contractions were induced by hypoglycemia (subcutaneously administered insulin, 2.5 IU/animal). In contrast, no inhibition of gastric motor function was observed when glucose infusion was tested on gastric contractions that were 1) spontaneously occurring, 2) evoked by iv administered bethanechol in vagotomized animals, and 3) evoked by the TRH analog RX77368, microinjected into the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Using the model of insulin-induced hypoglycemia to increase gastric motor activity, we found that neither sectioning the hepatic branch of the vagus (n = 5), nor treating animals with capsaicin to destroy sensory vagal afferent nerves (n = 5) affected the ability of iv d-glucose to inhibit gastric motor function. Our results indicate that an important factor determining whether stomach motor function will be sensitive to changes in blood glucose is the method used to stimulate gastric contractions, and that the primary site of the inhibitory action of iv glucose on gastric motility is the central nervous system rather than the periphery.

Dual effects of acupuncture on gastric motility in conscious rats

The effects of manual acupuncture on gastric motility were investigated in 35 conscious rats implanted with a strain gauge transducer. Twenty (57.1%) rats showed no cyclic groupings of strong contractions (type A), whereas 15 (42.9%) rats showed the phase III-like contractions of the migrating motor complex (type B) in the fasting gastric motility. Acupuncture at the stomach (ST)-36 (Zusanli), but not on the back [Weishu, bladder (BL)-21], increased the peak amplitude of contractions to 172.4 +/- 25.6% of basal in the type A rats (n = 20, P < 0.05). On the other hand, the motility index for 60 min after the acupuncture was not affected by the acupuncture in this group. On the contrary, acupuncture decreased the peak amplitude and motility index to 72.9 +/- 14.0% and 73.6 +/- 16.2% in the type B rats (n = 15, P < 0.05), respectively. The stimulatory and inhibitory effects of acupuncture observed in each type were reproducible on the separate days. In 70% of type A rats, acupuncture induced strong phase III-like contractions lasting for over 3 h that were abolished by atropine, hexamethonium, atropine methyl bromide, and vagotomy. Naloxone significantly shortened the duration of the stimulatory effects from 3.52 +/- 0.21 to 1.02 +/- 0.15 h (n = 3, P < 0.05). These results suggest that acupuncture at ST-36 induces dual effects, either stimulatory or inhibitory, on gastric motility. The stimulatory effects are mediated in part via vagal efferent and opioid pathways.