颈动脉注射17β -雌二醇对去缓冲神经大鼠延髓腹外侧头端区神经元放电活动的影响

本研究旨在观察17β-雌二醇(E2)对雄性大鼠延髓腹外侧头端区(RVLM)神经元自发放电活动的影响.在切断双侧缓冲神经的麻醉雄性Sprague-Dawley大鼠上,同步记录血压、心率和RVLM神经元的自发放电活动.颈动脉内注射E2 (10 ng/kg),30个RVLM神经元自发放电单位中有25个单位的放电频率由14.46±0.47降至9.73±0.33 spikes/s (P<0.05),与此同时血压和心率无明显改变.E2的抑制效应在1 min内起效,持续时间长于5 min.雌激素受体拮抗剂tamoxifen (5 mg/kg)不能阻断E2 的抑制效应.预先给予一氧化氮(NO)合酶阻断剂L-NAME (2.7 μg/kg)能明显阻断E2的抑制效应.应用NO供体SIN-1 (0.5 μg/kg)可增强E2的抑制效应.以上结果提示,E2可通过非基因组效应激活RVLM神经元的NOS而引发NO释放,进而抑制其自发放电活动.     

肾缺血增强大鼠延髓腹外侧头端区神经元电话动和Fos蛋白表达

在67只切断两侧缓冲神经的麻醉Sprague-Dawley大鼠,应用细胞外记录的电生理方法和免疫组织化学技术,分别观察肾缺血对延髓腹外侧头端区巨细胞旁外侧核神经元自发放电活动和Fos蛋白表达的影响.所得结果如下(1)左肾动脉阻断后,28个单位的放电频率由11.40±1.08增至21.1±1.74spikes/s(P<0.001),血压和心率无明显变化(P>0.05);(2)在17个放电单位中,应用腺苷受体拮抗剂8-苯茶碱(8-phenyltheophylline,10mg/kg)可明显抑制肾缺血的兴奋效应(P<0.05);(3)肾缺血后,延髓腹外侧头端区的Fos蛋白样免疫反应神经元显著增加(P<0.01);(4)预先应用8-苯茶碱可明显减弱肾缺血所激活的Fos蛋白表达反应(P<0.05).以上结果提示肾缺血增强延髓腹外侧头端区神经元的放电活动和Fos蛋白表达,而此作用可能与肾脏缺血所产生的腺苷激活肾内感受器有关.     

血管紧张素—（1—7）在大鼠延髓头端腹外侧通过氨基酸类递质调节血压的作用

采用微量注射、微透析、高效液相色谱－荧光测定等技术和方法,观察和 血管紧张素－（1－7）[Ang-(1-7)]在延髓头端腹外侧（RVLM）与氨基酸类递质释放之间的关系,在麻醉大鼠RVLM注射Ang-(1-7)可引起血压升高,同时伴RVLM兴奋性氨基酸（EAA）释放增多;在RVLM注射Ang-(1-7)选择性受体拮抗剂Ang779可引起血压降低,同时伴RVLM EAA释放减少和抑制性氨基酸（IAA）释放增多,Ang-(1-7)的升压作用和Ang779的降压作用均可被相应的氨基酸受体拮抗剂部分阻娄。结果提示,Ang-(1-7)在RVLM的升压效庆可能部分是通过EAA释放增多所致;而Ang779在 RVLM的降压效应可能部分是通过EAA释放减少、IAA释放增多所致。     

大鼠脑室内注射ANGⅡ和ANGⅡ抗体对尿钠排出和肾皮质Na~+·K~+-ATPase的影响

在麻醉大鼠的侧脑室注射16pg血管紧张素Ⅱ(ANGⅡ),15min内出现尿钠增多的反应并持续90min,平均动脉血压保持稳定。肾皮质Na~+·K~+-ATPase活性(1.51±0.26μmolPi/mg Pro·h)显著低于侧脑室注射人工脑脊液的对照值(2.66±0.28μmol Pi/mg Pro·h,P<0.01),而侧脑室注射ANGⅡ抗体后5min内则出现尿钠减少的反应并持续135min。肾皮质Na~+·K~+-ATPase活性(3.61±0.34μmol Pi/mg Pro·h)显著高于对照值(P<0.05)。股静脉和脊髓蛛网膜下腔分别注射16pg ANGⅡ,均未出现尿钠增多的反应。结果表明,脑内的内源性ANGⅡ具有引起尿钠增多的作用;并提示这种作用可能与肾脏Na~+·K~+-ATPase活性的抑制有关。     

大鼠下丘脑外侧区内微量注射胃动素对胃窦运动和迷走背核复合体神经元电活动的影响

采用清醒大鼠胃运动记录和玻璃微电极记录神经元活动的实验方法 ,研究下丘脑外侧区 (lateralhy pothalamicarea,LHA)微量注射胃动素 (motilin) ,对清醒大鼠胃窦运动和对麻醉大鼠迷走背核复合体 (dorsalvagalcomplex ,DVC)中胃扩张敏感神经元电活动的调节作用。LHA内微量注射胃动素 (0 37nmol/ 0 5 μl)可使胃窦运动增强 76 2 9± 4 0 9% (P <0 0 1)。DVC中 6 0个胃扩张 (gastricdistention ,GD)敏感神经元中 ,39(6 5 % )个GD刺激引起电活动增强 ,2 1(35 % )个电活动减弱 ,分别称之为GD兴奋型神经元和GD抑制型神经元。双侧LHA微量注射胃动素 0 37nmol/ 0 5 μl,14个GD抑制型神经元中有 12个单位放电频率增加 4 4 35± 7 89% (P <0 0 1) ;2 4个GD兴奋型神经元中有 15个单位放电频率减少 7 17± 7 89% (P <0 0 5 )。结果提示 ,中枢胃动素可能通过LHA-DVC-迷走神经实现对胃窦运动的调控     

友鼠外侧膝状体中继神经元HRP示踪结合谷氨酸免疫组织化学研究

采用 HRP逆行追踪结合谷氨酸免疫组织化学方法观察大鼠外侧膝状体背侧核 (d L GN)中继神经元的化学递质。光镜下 HRP标记细胞与谷氨酸免疫阳性细胞清晰可辩。HRP单标记细胞位于外侧膝状体背侧核内 ,胞浆及树突基部充满棕色颗粒。免疫金银法 (IGSS)单标记的谷氨酸免疫阳性神经元分布于外侧膝状体背侧核与腹侧核 ,胞体内充满黑色银颗粒。在外侧膝状体背侧核内可见 HRP和谷氨酸双标记细胞 ,其数目占 HRP标记细胞总数的 70 .9± 6 .4%。本文提示 ,谷氨酸可能是外侧膝状体背侧核投射至视皮质的中继神经元的神经递质之一。     

化学刺激或电刺激大鼠穹窿下器官诱发的饮水行为和脑内c-fos表达

目的对化学刺激和电刺激穹窿下器官(subfornical organ, SFO)诱发的饮水量和脑内c-fos表达的结果是否不同进行比较. 方法向大鼠SFO内微量注射L-谷氨酸作为化学刺激,用恒流刺激SFO作为电刺激,记录诱发的1 h内饮水量,用免疫组化方法检测脑内Fos蛋白表达.结果电刺激和化学刺激SFO均能诱导相似的饮水行为,其诱饮率分别为75%和85.7%,1 h平均饮水量分别为(0.28±0.22) ml 和(0.31±0.15) ml ,明显高于各自的对照组(P<0.05),并均能使前脑的 11个脑区(终板血管器官, 正中视前核,室旁核,视上核,下丘脑外侧区,丘脑室旁核,联合核和中央内侧核,终纹床核,穹窿周背区和无名质)和后脑的4个脑区(最后区,孤束核,臂旁外侧核和中缝背核)相似的Fos蛋白表达.结论刺激SFO所诱导的饮水行为和脑内Fos蛋白表达是激活其神经元胞体的结果.     

S

在45只切断双侧缓冲神经的Sprague-Dawley 大鼠,应用细胞外记录方法, 观察了颈动脉内注射腺苷对76 个最后区 (AP) 神经元自发放电活动的影响。所得结果如下(1) 在记录到的42个自发放电单位中, 颈动脉内注射腺苷(25 μg/kg) 引起其中29个单位的放电频率由6.26±0.75 下降至4.74±0.76 spikes/s (P<0.01), 6 个单位放电频率由4.13±0.77增加至4.72±0.83 spikes/s (P<0.05),另外7个单位放电频率无明显变化, 而血压和心率在实验中无变化; (2)在应用非选择性腺苷受体拮抗剂8-苯茶碱(8-phenyltheophylline, 15 μg/kg) 的10个单位, 腺苷对放电的抑制效应可被完全阻断; (3) 应用选择性腺苷A     

肾上腺髓质素对大鼠延髓头端腹外侧区压力反射敏感神经元的作用

采用多管微电泳结合细胞外记录的方法研究了肾上腺髓质素(adrenomedullin,ADM)对大鼠延髓头端腹外侧区(rostral ventrolateral medulla,rVLM)压力反射敏感性神经元电活动的作用及其可能机制.结果显示在29个rVLM压力反射敏感神经元中,20个神经元在30、60和90 nA的电流微电泳大鼠ADM(rADM)过程中,放电频率由(10.8±2.7)spikes/s分别增加到(14.6±3.6)、(19.8±4.7)和(31.9±6.4)spikes/s(P＜0.05,n=20).微电泳rADM特异性受体阻断剂人ADM(human ADM,hADM)(22-52)可明显减小神经元放电频率的增加幅度,比正常放电频率仅增加15.4%[(11.4±2.5)sipkes/s,P＜0.05,n=10],而降钙素基因相关肽1(CGRP1)受体阻断剂hCGRP(8-37)对rADM兴奋性神经元电活动影响较小.在另外23个神经元中,10个神经元的放电频率在10、20和40 nA电流微电泳神经型NOS(nNOS)抑制剂7-NiNa过程中放电减少,由正常的(10.1±3.5)spikes/s分别减少为(7.5±2.5)、(5.3±2.1)和(3.1±1.4)spikes/s(P＜0.05,n=10).在微电泳7-NiNa过程中同时微电泳rADM,则rADM增加神经元放电频率的效应减弱,增加幅度为基础水平的17%[(6.2±1.9)spikes/s].8个神经元在10、20和40 nA电流微电泳诱导型NOS抑制剂(iNOS)aminoguanidine(AG)过程中放电频率由(11.5±5.1)spikes/s增加到(17.8±5.6)、(22.5±6.3)和(29.1±6.4)spikes/s(P＜0.05,n=8),rADM与AG同时微电泳时,AG对rADM本身增加神经元放电的效应无明显影响.上述结果提示,rADM在rVLM可通过其特异性受体或来源于nNOS的NO作用于压力反射敏感神经元,使其活动增强而发挥调节心血管活动的作用.     

烫伤对大鼠下丘脑室旁核内皮素—1合成和分泌的影响

目的研究烫伤后下丘脑室旁核(PVH)内皮素-1(ET-1)的合成和分泌改变,探讨PVHET-1在烫伤中的病理生理学意义。方法用原位杂交和免疫组织化学方法观察了烫伤后PVHET-1合成和分泌的变化,并用通用图象颗粒分析法检测单位面积内ET-1mRNA阳性杂交信号的强度和ET-1样免疫反应物(ET-1-ir)免疫反应强度。结果烫伤后15minPVH神经元胞浆内ET-1mRNA阳性杂交信号与对照组相比未见明显差异,烫伤后60min和180minPVH神经元胞浆内ET-1mRNA阳性杂交信号较对照组(100％±25％)明显增多,强度明显增高,分别为138％±26％(P<0．05)和167％±18％(P<0.01);而烫伤后15minPVH神经元胞浆内ET-1阳性反应物明显减少,免疫反应物强度为6．3％±1．5％,显著低于对照组(P<0．01),烫伤后60min和180min逐渐回升,分别为23．1％±2．9％和44．1％±3．8％,但仍显著低于对照组(P＜0．01)。结论烫伤后PVHET-1合成和分泌增加。     

Expression of angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor in the rostral ventrolateral medulla in rats.

In the present study, the changes of amino acids release in the spinal cord after the application of angiotensin II (ANG II) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the distribution of ANG receptors on neurons of the RVLM were investigated. A microdialysis experiment showed that microinjection of angiotensin II into the RVLM significantly (P < 0.01) increased the release of aspartate and glutamate in the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord. Immunofluorescence technique combined with confocal microscopy demonstrated that most of the glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the RVLM of both Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were double labeled with ANG type 1 (AT1) receptor. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that the mean optic density of AT1 receptor of the cell surface as well as the whole cell was higher (P < 0.05) in SHR than that in Wistar rats, indicating that the higher expression of AT1 receptors in the RVLM may contribute to the higher responsiveness of SHR to ANG II stimulation. Immunogold staining and electronmicroscopic study demonstrated that AT1 receptor in the RVLM was distributed on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, cell membrane, and nerve processes. The results suggest that effects evoked by ANG II in the RVLM are closely related to glutamatergic and GABAergic pathways. These results indirectly support the hypothesis that ANG II in the RVLM may activate vasomotor sympathetic glutamatergic neurons, leading to an increase in sympathetic nerve activity and arterial blood pressure.     

AT(1) and glutamatergic receptors in paraventricular nucleus support blood pressure during water deprivation

Water deprivation activates sympathoexcitatory neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN); however, the neurotransmitters that mediate this activation are unknown. To test the hypothesis that ANG II and glutamate are involved, effects on blood pressure (BP) of bilateral PVN microinjections of ANG II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonists, candesartan and valsartan, or the ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, kynurenate, were determined in urethane-anesthetized water-deprived and water-replete male rats. Because PVN may activate sympathetic neurons via the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and because PVN disinhibition increases sympathetic activity in part via increased drive of AT1R in the RVLM, candesartan was also bilaterally microinjected into the RVLM. Total blockade of the PVN with bilateral microinjections of muscimol, a GABA(A) agonist, decreased BP more (P < 0.05) in water-deprived (-29 +/- 8 mmHg) than in water-replete (-7 +/- 2 mmHg) rats, verifying that the PVN is required for BP maintenance during water deprivation. PVN candesartan slowly lowered BP by 7 +/- 1 mmHg (P < 0.05). In water-replete rats, however, candesartan did not alter BP (1 +/- 1 mmHg). Valsartan also produced a slowly developing decrease in arterial pressure (-6 +/- 1 mmHg; P < 0.05) in water-deprived but not in water-replete (-1 +/- 1 mmHg) rats. In water-deprived rats, PVN kynurenate rapidly decreased BP (-19 +/- 3 mmHg), and the response was greater (P < 0.05) than in water-replete rats (-4 +/- 1 mmHg). Finally, as in PVN, candesartan in RVLM slowly decreased BP in water-deprived (-8 +/- 1 mmHg; P < 0.05) but not in water-replete (-3 +/- 1 mmHg) rats. These data suggest that activation of AT(1) and glutamate receptors in PVN, as well as of AT1R in RVLM, contributes to BP maintenance during water deprivation.     

Angiotensin II attenuates myocardial interstitial acetylcholine release in response to vagal stimulation

Although ANG II exerts a variety of effects on the cardiovascular system, its effects on the peripheral parasympathetic neurotransmission have only been evaluated by changes in heart rate (an effect on the sinus node). To elucidate the effect of ANG II on the parasympathetic neurotransmission in the left ventricle, we measured myocardial interstitial ACh release in response to vagal stimulation (1 ms, 10 V, 20 Hz) using cardiac microdialysis in anesthetized cats. In a control group (n = 6), vagal stimulation increased the ACh level from 0.85 +/- 0.03 to 10.7 +/- 1.0 (SE) nM. Intravenous administration of ANG II at 10 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1) suppressed the stimulation-induced ACh release to 7.5 +/- 0.6 nM (P < 0.01). In a group with pretreatment of intravenous ANG II receptor subtype 1 (AT(1) receptor) blocker losartan (10 mg/kg, n = 6), ANG II was unable to inhibit the stimulation-induced ACh release (8.6 +/- 1.5 vs. 8.4 +/- 1.7 nM). In contrast, in a group with local administration of losartan (10 mM, n = 6) through the dialysis probe, ANG II inhibited the stimulation-induced ACh release (8.0 +/- 0.8 vs. 5.8 +/- 1.0 nM, P < 0.05). In conclusion, intravenous ANG II significantly inhibited the parasympathetic neurotransmission through AT(1) receptors. The failure of local losartan administration to nullify the inhibitory effect of ANG II on the stimulation-induced ACh release indicates that the site of this inhibitory action is likely at parasympathetic ganglia rather than at postganglionic vagal nerve terminals.     

Influence of rostral ventrolateral medulla on renal sympathetic baroreflex in conscious rabbits

Previous studies with anesthetized animals have shown that the pressor region of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) is a critical site in vasomotor control. The aim of this study was to develop, in conscious rabbits, a technique for microinjecting into the RVLM and to determine the influence of this area on renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and arterial pressure (AP) using local injections of glutamate, rilmenidine, ANG II and sarile. Rabbits were implanted with guide cannulas for bilateral microinjections into the RVLM (n = 7) or into the intermediate ventrolateral medulla (IVLM, n = 6) and an electrode for measuring RSNA. After 7 days of recovery, injections of glutamate (10 and 20 nmol) into the RVLM increased RSNA by 81 and 88% and AP by 17 and 25 mmHg, respectively. Infusion of glutamate (2 nmol/min) into the RVLM increased AP by 15 mmHg and the RSNA baroreflex range by 38%. By contrast, injection of the imidazoline receptor agonist rilmenidine (4 nmol) into the RVLM decreased AP by 8 mmHg and the RSNA baroreflex range by 37%. Injections of rilmenidine into the IVLM did not alter AP or RSNA. Surprisingly, treatments with ANG II (4 pmol/min) or the ANG II receptor antagonist sarile (500 pmol) into the RVLM did not affect the resting or baroreflex parameters. Infusion of ANG II (4 pmol/min) into the fourth ventricle increased AP and facilitated the RSNA baroreflex. Our results show that agents administered via a novel microinjecting system for conscious rabbits can selectively modulate neuronal activity in circumscribed regions of the ventrolateral medulla. We conclude that the RVLM plays a key role in circulatory control in conscious rabbits. However, we find no evidence for the role of ANG II receptors in the RVLM in the moment-to-moment regulation of AP and RSNA.     

Sex differences in angiotensin signaling in bulbospinal neurons in the rat rostral ventrolateral medulla

Sex differences may play a significant role in determining the risk of hypertension. Bulbospinal neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) are involved in the tonic regulation of arterial pressure and participate in the central mechanisms of hypertension. Angiotensin II (ANG II) acting on angiotensin type 1 (AT(1)) receptors in RVLM neurons is implicated in the development of hypertension by activating NADPH oxidase and producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, we analyzed RVLM bulbospinal neurons to determine whether there are sex differences in: 1) immunolabeling for AT(1) receptors and the key NADPH oxidase subunit p47 using dual-label immunoelectron microscopy, and 2) the effects of ANG II on ROS production and Ca(2+) currents using, respectively, hydroethidine fluoromicrography and patch-clamping. In tyrosine hydroxylase-positive RVLM neurons, female rats displayed significantly more AT(1) receptor immunoreactivity and less p47 immunoreactivity than male rats (P < 0.05). Although ANG II (100 nM) induced comparable ROS production in dissociated RVLM bulbospinal neurons of female and male rats (P > 0.05), an effect mediated by AT(1) receptors and NADPH oxidase, it triggered significantly larger dihydropyridine-sensitive long-lasting (L-type) Ca(2+) currents in female RVLM neurons (P < 0.05). These observations suggest that an increase in AT(1) receptors in female RVLM neurons is counterbalanced by a reduction in p47 levels, such that ANG II-induced ROS production does not differ between females and males. Since the Ca(2+) current activator Bay K 8644 induced larger Ca(2+) currents in females than in male RVLM neurons, increased ANG II-induced L-type Ca(2+) currents in females may result from sex differences in calcium channel densities or dynamics.     

Angiotensin-(1--7) in the ovine fetus

In the adult animal, ANG-(1-7) may counterbalance some effects of ANG II. Its effects in the fetus are unknown. Basal ANG-(1-7), ANG I, ANG II, and renin concentrations were measured in plasma from ovine fetuses and their mothers (n = 10) at 111 days of gestation. In the fetus, concentrations of ANG I, ANG-(1-7), and ANG II were 86 +/- 21, 13 +/- 2, and 14 +/- 2 fmol/ml, respectively. In the ewe, concentrations of ANG I were significantly lower (20 +/- 4 fmol/ml, P < 0.05) as were concentrations of ANG-(1-7) (2.9 +/- 0.6 fmol/ml), whereas ANG II concentrations were not different (10 +/- 1 fmol/ml). Plasma renin concentrations were higher in the fetus (4.8 +/- 1.1 pmol ANG I x ml(-1) x h(-1)) than in the ewe (0.9 +/- 0.2 pmol x ml(-1) x h(-1), P < 0.05). Infusion of ANG-(1-7) (approximately 9 microg/h) for a 3-day period caused a significant increase in plasma concentrations of ANG-(1-7) reaching a maximum of 448 +/- 146 fmol/ml on day 3 of infusion. Plasma levels of ANG I and II as well as renin were unchanged by the infusion. Urine flow rate, glomerular filtration rate, and fetal arterial blood pressure did not change and were not different than values in fetuses receiving a saline infusion for 3 days (n = 5). However, the osmolality of amniotic and allantoic fluid was significantly higher in fetuses that received ANG-(1-7). Also, compared with the saline-infused animals, mRNA expression levels of renin, the AT(1) receptor, and AT(2) receptor were elevated in kidneys of fetuses that received infusions of ANG-(1-7). Infusion of an ANG-(1-7) antagonist ([D-Ala(7)]-ANG-(1-7), 20 microg/h) for 3 days had no effect on fetal blood pressure or renal function. In conclusion, although infusion of ANG-(1-7) did not affect fetal urine flow rate, glomerular filtration rate, or blood pressure, changes in fetal fluids and gene expression indicate that ANG-(1-7) may play a role in the fetal kidney.     

Angiotensin-(3-7) pressor effect at the rostral ventrolateral medulla

Ang-(3-7) is a fragment of the renin-angiotensin system that can be derived both from Ang II or Ang-(1-7). In the present study we determined the cardiovascular effects produced by angiotensin-(3-7) [Ang-(3-7)] microinjection into the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), a key region for the control of sympathetic drive to the periphery. RVLM microinjection of Ang-(3-7) (20, 40 or 80 ng) in male Wistar rats anesthetized with urethane produced significant increases in MAP (19+/-3.8 mm Hg, n=5; 16+/-1.6 mm Hg, n=15 and 11+/-1.2 mm Hg, n=4, respectively) as compared to saline (4+/-0.7 mm Hg, n=6). These alterations were similar to that induced by Ang-(1-7) (14+/-1.3 mm Hg, 40 ng; n=12) and Ang II (17+/-2.3 mm Hg, 40 ng; n=7). Microinjection of losartan (AT(1) receptor antagonist, 100 pmol) or A779 (selective Mas receptor antagonist, 100 pmol) did not alter the pressor effect caused by Ang-(3-7). Microinjection of an Ang-(3-7) analogue, d-Ala(7)-Ang-(3-7) (100 pmol), completely abolished the pressor effect caused by Ang-(3-7). These results suggest that Ang-(3-7) may be an additional peptide of the RAS to act as neuromodulator, at least at the RVLM. Further, the Ang-(3-7) pressor effect is not mediated by the interaction with AT(1) or the Ang-(1-7), Mas, receptors.     

Angiotensin depolarizes parvocellular neurons in paraventricular nucleus through modulation of putative nonselective cationic and potassium conductances

Neurosecretory parvocellular neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) exercise considerable influence over the adenohypophysis and thus play a critical role in neuroendocrine regulation. ANG II has been demonstrated to act as a neurotransmitter in PVN, exerting significant impact on neuronal excitability and also influencing corticotrophin-releasing hormone secretion from the median eminence and, therefore, release of ACTH from the pituitary. We have used whole cell patch-clamp techniques in hypothalamic slices to examine the effects of ANG II on the excitability of neurosecretory parvocellular neurons. ANG II application resulted in a dose-dependent depolarization of neurosecretory neurons, a response that was maintained in tetrodotoxin (TTX), suggesting a direct mechanism of action. The depolarizing actions of this peptide were abolished by losartan, demonstrating these effects are AT(1) receptor mediated. Voltage-clamp analysis using slow voltage ramps revealed that ANG II activates a voltage-independent conductance with a reversal potential of -37.8 +/- 3.8 mV, suggesting ANG II effects on a nonselective cationic current. Further, a sustained potassium current characteristic of I(K) was significantly reduced (29.1 +/- 4.7%) by ANG II. These studies identify multiple postsynaptic modulatory sites through which ANG II can influence the excitability of neurosecretory parvocellular PVN neurons and, as a consequence of such actions, control hormonal secretion from the anterior pituitary.     

Blockade of AT1 receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla increases sympathetic activity under hypoxic conditions

The role of ANG type 1 (AT1) receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in the maintenance of sympathetic vasomotor tone in normotensive animals is unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that AT1 receptors make a significant contribution to the tonic activity of presympathetic neurons in the RVLM of normotensive rats under conditions where the excitatory input to these neurons is enhanced, such as during systemic hypoxia. In urethane-anesthetized rats, microinjections of the AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan in the RVLM during moderate hypoxia unexpectedly resulted in substantial increases in arterial pressure and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), whereas under normoxic conditions the same dose resulted in no significant change in arterial pressure and RSNA. Under hypoxic conditions, and after microinjection of the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline in the RVLM, subsequent microinjection of candesartan in the RVLM resulted in a significant decrease in RSNA. In control experiments, bilateral microinjections in the RVLM of the compound [Sar1,Thr8]ANG II (sarthran), which decreases sympathetic vasomotor activity via a mechanism that is independent of AT1 receptors, significantly reduced arterial pressure and RSNA under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The results indicate that, at least under some conditions, endogenous ANG II has a tonic sympathoinhibitory effect in the RVLM, which is dependent on GABA receptors. We suggest that the net effect of endogenous ANG II in this region depends on the balance of both tonic excitatory and inhibitory actions on presympathetic neurons and that this balance is altered in different physiological or pathophysiological conditions.     

Median preoptic nucleus and subfornical organ drive renal sympathetic nerve activity via a glutamatergic mechanism within the paraventricular nucleus

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is involved in the neural control of sympathetic drive, but the precise mechanism(s) that influences the PVN is not known. The activation of the PVN may be influenced by input from higher forebrain areas, such as the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) and the subfornical organ (SFO). We hypothesized that activation of the MnPO or SFO would drive the PVN through a glutamatergic pathway. Neuroanatomical connections were confirmed by the recovery of a retrograde tracer in the MnPO and SFO that was injected bilaterally into the PVN in rats. Microinjection of 200 pmol of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) or bicuculline-induced activation of the MnPO and increased renal sympathetic activity (RSNA), mean arterial pressure, and heart rate in anesthetized rats. These responses were attenuated by prior microinjection of a glutamate receptor blocker AP5 (4 nmol) into the PVN (NMDA - ΔRSNA 72 ± 8% vs. 5 ± 1%; P < 0.05). Using single-unit extracellular recording, we examined the effect of NMDA microinjection (200 pmol) into the MnPO on the firing activity of PVN neurons. Of the 11 active neurons in the PVN, 6 neurons were excited by 95 ± 17% (P < 0.05), 1 was inhibited by 57%, and 4 did not respond. The increased RSNA after activation of the SFO by ANG II (1 nmol) or bicuculline (200 pmol) was also reduced by AP5 in the PVN (for ANG II - ΔRSNA 46 ± 7% vs. 17 ± 4%; P < 0.05). Prior microinjection of ANG II type 1 receptor blocker losartan (4 nmol) into the PVN did not change the response to ANG II or bicuculline microinjection into the SFO. The results from this study demonstrate that the sympathoexcitation mediated by a glutamatergic mechanism in the PVN is partially driven by the activation of the MnPO or SFO.