Microglial activation induced by LPS mediates excitation of neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla |
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Authors: | Tae Hee Han Heow Won Lee Eun A Kang Min Seok Song So Yeong Lee Pan Dong Ryu |
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Institution: | Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea |
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Abstract: | Microglia are known to be activated in the hypothalamic para-ventricular nucleus (PVN) of rats with cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact role of microglial activation in the plasticity of presympathetic PVN neurons associated with the modulation of sympathetic outflow remains poorly investigated. In this study, we analyzed the direct link between microglial activation and spontaneous firing rate along with the underlying synaptic mechanisms in PVN neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Systemic injection of LPS induced microglial activation in the PVN, increased the frequency of spontaneous firing activity of PVN-RVLM neurons, reduced GABAergic inputs into these neurons, and increased plasma NE levels and heart rate. Systemic minocycline injection blocked all the observed LPS-induced effects. Our results indicate that LPS increases the firing rate and decreases GABAergic transmission in PVN-RVLM neurons associated with sympathetic outflow and the alteration is largely attributed to the activation of microglia. Our findings provide some insights into the role of microglial activation in regulating the activity of PVN-RVLM neurons associated with modulation of sympathetic outflow in cardiovascular diseases. |
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Keywords: | GABAergic transmission Microglial activation Neuronal activity PVN-RVLM Sympathetic outflow |
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