Abstract
Microinjection of the excitatory amino acid L-glutamate into the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) elicits decreases in arterial pressure and heart rate. In the present study, we sought to determine the regional hemodynamic effects that were correlated with changes in arterial pressure and heart rate produced by stimulation of the NTS. In anesthetized rats, blood flow in the renal (RBF), superior mesenteric (MBF), and hindquarter (HBF) vascular beds was measured by pulsed Doppler flowmeters. Relative vascular resistances (RVR, MVR, and HVR) were calculated by dividing mean arterial pressure (mm Hg) by the Doppler shift (kHz). Microinjection of L-glutamate into the NTS caused rapid, transient, dose-related decreases in mean arterial pressure and heart rate. MVR and RVR were minimally changed immediately after injections, but both demonstrated delayed dilatation. In contrast, HVR fell immediately but demonstrated delayed constriction. Identical changes occurred in intact rats and in those with interruption of the baroreflex by sinoaortic denervation. Ganglionic blockade with hexamethonium abolished virtually all L-glutamate-induced responses. This study suggests that NTS neurons exert differential effects on renal, mesenteric, and hindquarter vascular beds and that glutamate-induced regional hemodynamic changes are mediated predominantly through autonomic pathways.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
