Rostroventrolateral Medulla Neurons Research Articles

Pre-sympathetic C1 RVLM neurons drives sleep disordered breathing in heart failure through activation of central chemoreceptors

Sleep-disordered breathing is closely linked to heart failure (HF) morbidity and mortality. Recently, we showed that photo-stimulation of pre-sympathetic motor neurons located within the rostro ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) drive sleep-disordered breathing in healthy conditions. However, the neural circuitry required for these effects and whether this pathway is relevant for HF pathophysiology is not known. Accordingly, we aimed to determine: i) if the generation of RVLM-induced altered breathing encompasses the activation of chemoreceptor neurons from the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), and ii) if selective ablation of RVLM neurons improves breathing control and sleep architecture in HF rats. Sprague-Dawley rats received stereotaxic injections of a lenti-viral vector containing a light-sensitive cation channel (Channelrhodopsin2) in the RVLM and a Substance P-saporin toxin conjugate into the RTN. Then, 200 mm fiber optics were implanted for RVLM neurons photo-stimulation. A second group underwent volume overload to induced HF and ablation of RVLM neurons was performed using a DbH-saporin toxin (DbH-SAP). EEG and EMG leads were implanted, and rats allowed to recover before sleep/breathing studies. We found that photo-stimulation of RVLM neurons triggered breathing disorders only in the presence of a functional RTN neurons. Indeed, breathing irregularity score following RVLM photo-stimulation showed a two-fold increase (9±2 vs. 20±3, pre vs. post-stimulation) and this was absent in the presence of Substance P-saporin (10±3 vs. 12±3, pre vs. post-stimulation with Substance P-saporin). Compared to Sham rats, HF animals showed overt signs of disordered breathing and sleep fragmentation and ablation of RVLM neurons using DbH-SAP significantly improves both breathing and sleep function in HF. Our results showed that RVLM drives breathing disorders through activation of the RTN and that selective ablation of RVLM neurons offer salutary benefit for the control of sleep and irregular breathing patterns in the setting of HF. Fondecyt 1220950. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Blunted sympathoinhibitory responses in obesity‐related hypertension are due to aberrant central but not peripheral signalling mechanisms

The gut hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) acts at subdiaphragmatic vagal afferents to induce renal and splanchnic sympathoinhibition and vasodilatation, via reflex inhibition of a subclass of cardiovascular-controlling neurons in the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM). These sympathoinhibitory and vasodilator responses are blunted in obese, hypertensive rats and our aim in the present study was to determine whether this is attributable to (i) altered sensitivity of presympathetic vasomotor RVLM neurons, and (ii) aberrant peripheral or central signalling mechanisms. Using a diet-induced obesity model, male Sprague-Dawley rats exhibited either an obesity-prone (OP) or obesity-resistant (OR) phenotype when placed on a medium high fat diet for 13-15weeks; control animals were placed on a low fat diet. OP animals had elevated resting arterial pressure compared to OR/control animals (P<0.05). Barosensitivity of RVLM neurons was significantly attenuated in OP animals (P<0.05), suggesting altered baroreflex gain. CCK induced inhibitory responses in RVLM neurons of OR/control animals but not OP animals. Subdiaphragmatic vagal nerve responsiveness to CCK and CCK1 receptor mRNA expression in nodose ganglia did not differ between the groups, but CCK induced significantly less Fos-like immunoreactivity in both the nucleus of the solitary tract and the caudal ventrolateral medulla of OP animals compared to controls (P<0.05). These results suggest that blunted sympathoinhibitory and vasodilator responses in obesity-related hypertension are due to alterations in RVLM neuronal responses, resulting from aberrant central but not peripheral signalling mechanisms. In obesity, blunted sympathoinhibitory mechanisms may lead to increased regional vascular resistance and contribute to the development of hypertension.

Rostroventrolateral medulla neurons with commissural projections provide input to sympathetic premotor neurons: anatomical and functional evidence

The activity of neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) is critical for the generation of vasomotor sympathetic tone. Multiple pre-sympathetic pathways converge on spinally projecting RVLM neurons, but the origin and circumstances in which such inputs are active are poorly understood. We have previously shown that input from the contralateral brainstem contributes to the baseline activity of this population: in the current study we investigate the distribution, phenotype and functional properties of RVLM neurons with commissural projections in the rat. We firstly used retrograde transport of fluorescent microspheres to identify neurons that project to the contralateral RVLM. Labelled neurons were prominent in a longitudinal column that extended over 1 mm caudal from the facial nucleus and contained hybridisation products indicating enkephalin (27%), GABA (15%) and adrenaline (3%) synthesis and included 6% of bulbospinal neurons identified by transport of cholera toxin B. Anterograde transport of fluorescent dextran-conjugate from the contralateral RVLM revealed extensive inputs throughout the RVLM that frequently terminated in close apposition with catecholaminergic and bulbospinal neurons. In urethane-anaesthetised rats we verified that 28/37 neurons antidromically activated by electrical stimulation of the contralateral pressor region were spontaneously active, of which 13 had activity locked to central respiratory drive and 15 displayed ongoing tonic discharge. In six tonically active neurons sympathoexcitatory roles were indicated by spike-triggered averages of splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity. We conclude that neurons in the RVLM project to the contralateral brainstem, form synapses with sympathetic premotor neurons, and have functional properties consistent with sympthoexcitatory function.

392 OBESITY-RELATED HYPERTENSION IS ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERED SENSITIVTY OF CARDIOVASCULAR CONTROLLING NEURONS IN THE ROSTROVENTROLATERAL MEDULLA

Background: The gut and kidneys command >50% cardiac output postprandially, highlighting the importance of blood flow regulation to these regions. The gut hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) acts at vagal afferents to induce renal and splanchnic sympathoinhibition and vasodilation, via reflex inhibition of a subclass of cardiovascular-controlling neurons in the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Since these responses are blunted in obese hypertensive rats, our aim was to determine whether this is due to altered sensitivity of RVLM neurons. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 32) were placed on a medium high fat diet (MHFD; n = 24) or low fat diet (LFD, control animals; n = 8) for 15 weeks. MHFD rats were classified as obesity prone (OP; upper tertile weight gain; n = 8) or obesity resistant (OR; lower tertile weight gain n = 8). In anaesthetized, artificially ventilated animals, arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate were monitored. Electrophysiological techniques were used to identify RVLM presympathetic vasomotor neurons, and responsiveness to CCK tested (0.05 – 4ug/kg; i.a.). Results: OP animals had elevated resting AP compared to OR/control animals (P < 0.05). Barosensitivity of RVLM neurons was significantly attenuated in OP animals (P < 0.05), suggesting altered baroreflex gain. CCK-induced inhibitory responses in OR/control animals were blunted/completely reversed in OP animals. Conclusion: Obesity-related hypertension is associated with altered responsiveness of RVLM neurons, possibly leading to blunted sympathoinhibitory and vasodilator effects in the renal and splanchnic vascular beds. In obesity, dietary changes and increased heomodynamic demand to these regions, together with blunted sympathoinhibitory mechanisms, may lead to increased regional vascular resistance and contribute to the development of hypertension.

Identification of the spinal pathways involved in the recovery of baroreflex control after spinal lesion in the rat using pseudorabies virus.

Neurons in the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM) mediate baroreflex regulation (BR) of spinal sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Previously, our laboratory has shown that recovery of BR occurs in the rat after spinal hemisection. (Zahner MR, Kulikowicz E, and Schramm LP. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 301: R1584-R1590, 2011). The goal of these experiments was to determine whether the observed recovery of BR is mediated by the reorganization of ipsilateral pathways or by compensation by spared contralateral pathways. To determine this, we infected the left kidney in rats with the retrograde transynaptic tracer, pseudorabies virus (PRV), either 1 or 8 wk after left spinal hemisection at either T(3) or T(8), or after a sham lesion. In sham-lesioned rats, PRV infection of RVLM neurons was bilateral. In all rats with a left hemisection, regardless of the location of the lesion (T(3) or T(8)) or postlesion recovery time (1 or 8 wk), PRV infection of left RVLM neurons was significantly reduced compared with sham-lesioned rats (P < 0.05). In a separate group of rats, we performed BR tests by measuring responses of left renal sympathetic nerve activity to pharmacologically induced decreases and increases in arterial pressure. In rats with T(8) left hemisection and 8-wk recovery, BR was robust, and acute right upper thoracic hemisection abolished all BR of left renal sympathetic nerve activity. Collectively, these data suggest that the recovery of BR is not mediated by reorganization of ipsilateral bulbospinal connections, but instead by improved efficacy of existing contralateral pathways.

Rostroventrolateral medullary neurons modulate glucose homeostasis in the rat

Several lines of evidence support the view that the premotor sympathetic input to the adrenal gland arises from the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM). The aim of this study was to determine whether RVLM neurons play a role in glucose homeostasis. We identified RVLM neurons that control epinephrine secretion by searching for medullospinal neurons that responded to neuroglucoprivation induced by systemic 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) administration. We tested the effect of disinhibition of the RVLM on arterial blood pressure and plasma glucose concentration. RVLM medullospinal barosensitive neurons (n = 17) were either unaffected or slightly inhibited by 2-DG. In contrast, we found a group (n = 6) of spinally projecting neurons that were excited by 2-DG administration. These neurons were not barosensitive and had spinal conduction velocities in the unmyelinated range (<1 m/s). These neurons may mediate epinephrine secretion and participate in the counterregulatory responses to neuroglucoprivation. To test the hypothesis that activation of the RVLM leads to adrenomedullary activation and subsequent hyperglycemia, we applied the GABA(A) antagonist bicuculline to the RVLM and measured blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose in rats with intact adrenals or after bilateral adrenalectomy. Disinhibition of the RVLM resulted in hypertension, tachycardia, and hyperglycemia (4.9 ± 0.3 to 14.7 ± 0.9 mM, n = 5, P < 0.05). Adrenalectomy significantly reduced the hyperglycemic response but did not alter the cardiovascular responses. These data suggest that the RVLM is a key component of the neurocircuitry that is recruited in the counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia.

Central CO2chemoreception in cardiorespiratory control

Central CO₂chemoreception in cardiorespiratory control

Gastric leptin: a novel role in cardiovascular regulation

Gastric-derived leptin affects satiety and gastrointestinal function via vagal mechanisms and has been shown to interact with the gut hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). CCK selectively inhibits splanchnic sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) and the activity of a subset of presympathetic vasomotor neurons in the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM). The present study sought to examine the effects of gastric leptin on arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (HR), SND, and RVLM neuronal activity to determine whether its effects on cardiovascular regulation are dependent on CCK(1) receptors and vagal afferent transmission. To mimic gastric leptin, leptin (15-30 microg/kg) was administered close to the coeliac artery in anesthetized, artificially ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats. Within 5 min, leptin selectively decreased the activity of RVLM neurons also inhibited by CCK (-27 +/- 4%; P < 0.001; n = 15); these inhibitory effects were abolished following administration of the CCK(1) receptor antagonist lorglumide. Leptin significantly decreased AP and HR (-10 +/- 2 mmHg, P < 0.001; and -8 +/- 2 beats/min, P < 0.01; n = 35) compared with saline (-1 +/- 2 mmHg, 3 +/- 2 beats/min; n = 30). In separate experiments, leptin inhibited splanchnic SND compared with saline (-9 +/- 2% vs. 2 +/- 3%, P < 0.01; n = 8). Bilateral cervical vagotomy abolished the sympathoinhibitory, hypotensive, and bradycardic effects of leptin (P < 0.05; n = 6). Our results suggest that gastric leptin may exert acute sympathoinhibitory and cardiovascular effects via vagal transmission and CCK(1) receptor activation and may play a separate role to adipose leptin in short-term cardiovascular regulation.

The acute effects of close arterial leptin administration on cardiovascular regulation and RVLM presympathetic vasomotor neurons

The gastric source of leptin may exert its effects directly by paracrine activation of vagal afferents, different to the mode of action for adipose leptin. Evidence is emerging for an interactive relationship between leptin and the gastrointestinal hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of close arterial injection of leptin (10–30 μg/kg) on arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (HR) and firing rate (FR) of presympathetic vasomotor neurons in the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM). We recorded AP, HR and RVLM neuronal discharge in anesthetised, paralysed, male Sprague‐Dawley rats. The effects of baroreflex activation, von Bezold‐Jarisch reflex activation (phenylbiguanide, PBG; 5 μg/kg i.v.) and CCK (1 μg/kg, i.v.) were examined. Close arterial leptin administration produced a significant decrease in HR (369 + 12 bpm to 357 + 14 bpm; n=6; P &lt; 0.05; paired t‐test) and AP (107 + 3 mmHg to 85 + 6 mmHg; n=6; P &lt; 0.05) within 5 minutes of administration. All RVLM neurons studied were inhibited by increases in AP and PBG. The FR of RVLM neurons inhibited by CCK (n=3) was significantly attenuated by leptin administration (from 10.6 + 5 to 8.7 + 5 spikes/s) despite the fall in AP, whereas the FR of those not inhibited by CCK (n=3) was either increased or unaffected. These results suggest that leptin may be exerting its cardiovascular effects via a CCK‐dependent mechanism.

Activation of nucleus tractus solitarius 5‐HT2Abut not other 5‐HT2receptor subtypes inhibits the sympathetic activity in rats

Our first aim was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the hypotensive response elicited by 5-HT(2) receptor activation in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). In pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats, intra-NTS administration of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI), a wide spectrum 5-HT(2) receptor agonist, but not an antagonist of selective 5-HT(2B) and 5-HT(2C) receptors, produced a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. The maximal cardiovascular changes obtained by DOI (0.5 pmol) could be almost completely abolished by prior intra-NTS microinjection (10 pmol) of MDL-100907, a selective 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist, but not by 5-HT(2B) or 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonists. In addition, using extracellular recordings we found that the large majority of identified cardiovascular rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM) neurons were almost totally inhibited by NTS 5-HT(2A) receptor stimulation. We then investigated whether intra-NTS administration of a subthreshold dose (0.05 pmol) of DOI, known to facilitate the cardiovagal component of the baroreflex, could also modulate the sympathoinhibitory component of this reflex. These experiments showed that neither the decrease in the activity of the cardiovascular RVLM neurons and lumbar sympathetic nerve activities produced by aortic occlusion (gain of the baroreflex), nor the hypotensive response elicited by aortic nerve stimulation, were potentiated by the microinjection of DOI under such conditions. These data show that activation of 5-HT(2A), but not 5-HT(2B) or 5-HT(2C), receptors, located on NTS neurons, elicits depressor and bradycardic responses, and that this 5-HT(2A)-mediated hypotension is produced via the inhibition of RVLM cardiovascular neurons. In addition, NTS 5-HT(2A) receptor activation facilitates the cardiac but not the sympathetic baroreflex response.

The sympathoinhibitory effects of systemic cholecystokinin are dependent on neurons in the caudal ventrolateral medulla in the rat

The gastrointestinal hormone CCK inhibits a subset of presympathetic neurons in the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM) that may be responsible for driving the sympathetic vasomotor outflow to the gastrointestinal circulation. We tested the hypothesis that the central neurocircuitry of this novel sympathoinhibitory reflex involves a relay in the caudal ventrolateral medullary (CVLM) depressor area. Blood pressure and greater splanchnic sympathetic nerve discharge (SSND) or lumbar sympathetic nerve discharge (LSND) were monitored in anesthetised, paralyzed male Sprague-Dawley rats. The effects of phenylephrine (PE, 10 microg/kg iv; baroreflex activation), phenylbiguanide (PBG, 10 microg/kg iv; von Bezold-Jarisch reflex) and CCK (4 or 8 microg/kg iv) on SSND or LSND, were tested before and after bilateral injection of 50-100 nl of the GABAA agonist muscimol (1.75 mM; n=6, SSND; n=7, LSND) or the excitatory amino acid antagonist kynurenate (55 mM; n=7, SSND) into the CVLM. PE and PBG elicited splanchnic and lumbar sympathoinhibitory responses that were abolished by bilateral muscimol or kynurenate injection into the CVLM. Similarly, the inhibitory effect of CCK on SSND was abolished after neuronal inhibition within the CVLM. In contrast, CCK-evoked lumbar sympathoexcitation was accentuated following bilateral CVLM inhibition. In control experiments (n=7), these agents were injected outside the CVLM and had no effect on splanchnic sympathoinhibitory responses to PE, PBG, and CCK. In conclusion, neurons in the CVLM are necessary for the splanchnic but not lumbar sympathetic vasomotor reflex response to CCK. This strengthens the view that subpopulations of RVLM neurons supply sympathetic vasomotor outflow to specific vascular territories.

An enteric signal regulates putative gastrointestinal presympathetic vasomotor neurons in rats

Ingestion of a meal results in gastrointestinal (GI) hyperemia and is associated with systemic and paracrine release of a number of peptide hormones, including cholecystokinin (CCK) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Systemic administration of CCK octapeptide inhibits a subset of presympathetic neurons of the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM) that may be responsible for driving the sympathetic vasomotor tone to the GI viscera. The aim of this study was to determine whether endogenous release of CCK and/or 5-HT also inhibits CCK-sensitive RVLM neurons. The effects of intraduodenal administration of the secretagogues sodium oleate (SO) and soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) on circulating levels of CCK and 5-HT were examined. In separate experiments, the discharge rates of barosensitive, medullospinal, CCK-sensitive RVLM presympathetic vasomotor neurons were recorded after rapid intraduodenal infusion of SO-SBTI or water. Alternatively, animals were pretreated with the CCK1 receptor antagonists devazepide and lorglumide or the 5-HT3 antagonist MDL-72222 before SO-SBTI administration. Secretagogue infusion significantly increased the level of circulating CCK, but not 5-HT. SO-SBTI significantly decreased (58%) the neuronal firing rate of CCK-sensitive RVLM neurons compared with water (5%). CCK1 receptor antagonists did not reverse SO-SBTI-induced neuronal inhibition (58%), whereas the 5-HT3 antagonist significantly attenuated the effect (22%). This study demonstrates a functional relation between a subset of RVLM presympathetic vasomotor neurons and meal-related signals arising from the GI tract. It is likely that endogenously released 5-HT acts in a paracrine fashion on GI 5-HT3 receptors to initiate reflex inhibition of these neurons, resulting in GI vasodilatation by withdrawal of sympathetic tone.

Phenotypic identification of rat rostroventrolateral medullary presympathetic vasomotor neurons inhibited by exogenous cholecystokinin.

Systemic administration of the gastrointestinal hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) selectively inhibits splanchnic sympathetic vasomotor discharge and differentially affects presympathetic vasomotor neurons of the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Stimulation of the sympathoexcitatory region of the periaqueductal grey (PAG) produces profound mesenteric vasoconstriction. In this study, our aim was to identify phenotypically different populations of RVLM presympathetic vasomotor neurons using juxtacellular neuronal labelling and immunohistochemical detection of the adrenergic neuronal marker phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PNMT) and to determine whether the PAG provides functional excitatory input to these neurons. Fifty-eight percent (36/62) of RVLM presympathetic neurons were inhibited by systemic administration of CCK. These cells had conduction velocities (3.6 +/- 0.2 m/sec) in the non-C-fiber range consistent with neurons possessing lightly myelinated spinal axons. Of these, 79% (22/28) were excited by PAG stimulation, and 59% (10/17) were not immunoreactive for PNMT. Conversely, 42% (26/62) of RVLM presympathetic neurons were either unaffected or activated by CCK administration and had slower conduction velocities (1.4 +/- 0.3 m/sec) than cells inhibited by CCK. Fifty percent (11/22) of these cells were driven by PAG stimulation, and most (11/14 or 79%) were PNMT-positive. These results suggest that cardiovascular responses elicited by PAG stimulation occur via activation of non-C1 and C1 RVLM presympathetic neurons. RVLM neurons inhibited by CCK were more likely to be driven by PAG stimulation and may be a subset of neurons responsible for driving gastrointestinal sympathetic vasomotor tone. CCK-induced inhibition of a subpopulation of RVLM presympathetic neurons may be implicated in postprandial hyperemia and postprandial hypotension.

Central sympathetic chemosensitivity and Kir1 potassium channels in the cat

The possible involvement of potassium channels in central chemosensitivity, with special reference to the Kir1.1 potassium channel, was investigated by studying the CO 2 response of presympathetic neurons in the rostroventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in the absence or presence of various K + channel inhibitors. Synaptic input to RVLM neurons was blocked by local injection of ω-agatoxin and ω-conotoxin. Activity of RVLM neurons was measured by recording the electrical activity in preganglionic (WR-T 3) or postganglionic (renal) sympathetic nerves after perfusion of the lower brainstem via the left vertebral artery with CO 2-enriched saline solution. Unspecific K + channel blockade by BaCl 2 reduced the excitatory response of sympathetic activity after CO 2-perfusion to 56% of control. A quantitatively similar inhibition of the central CO 2 response was obtained after administration of 9-fluorenylmethylchloroformate (FMOC-Cl) which eliminates pH sensitivity of Kir1 and Kir4.1. Furthermore, two structurally different Kir1 inhibiting toxins, tertiapin and Lq2, also reduced the central CO 2 response to ∼50% of control. In contrast, charybdotoxin (CTX) had no effect on the CO 2 response. Using RT-PCR the expression of mRNA homologous to rat Kir1 mRNA was identified in the cat medulla oblongata. These data suggest that a modulation of potassium channel activity possibly via Kir1 may contribute to central chemosensitivity.

Lability of the pacemaker activity in the rat rostro-ventrolateral medulla: effects of noradrenaline

Cardiovascular neurons in the Rostro-Ventrolateral Medulla (RVLM) have been shown to display a regular action potential discharge activity in vitro which has been proposed to result either from pacemaker conductances or from the activity of an oscillating network. Using intracellularly recordings in vitro from regularly-discharging RVLM neurons, we observed in young adult rats (>19 days) that the regular discharge activity in RVLM is labile, as many neurons were or spontaneously became quiescent during the recording. A regular discharge could be induced or restored in quiescent neurons by superfusing an external concentration of K + ions ([K +] ext) of 6 mM. In order to elucidate how neurotransmitters might influence this discharge activity, we studied the effects of a catecholamine, noradrenaline (present in this brain region). Noradrenaline depolarized or increased the spiking frequency of regularly-discharging neurons. This excitatory effect was sensitive to prazosin and propranolol. In the presence of these two blockers, noradrenaline induced a hyperpolarization sensitive to idazoxan and mimicked by α 2-adrenergic agonists. These effects persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin. In spontaneously active neurons, prazosin plus propranolol abolished the discharge activity. At hyperpolarized potentials, the adrenoceptor blockers reduced the baseline synaptic/oscillatory activity. Our results demonstrate that the regular discharge activity of RVLM neurons is labile and depends on external ionic conditions, such as [K +] ext. This discharge activity can be modulated by catecholamines, acting at the 3 subtypes of adrenoceptors which co-exist on the same neuron. We propose that an endogenous release of catecholamines may condition the discharge activity of RVLM neurons.

GABA-induced responses in electrophysiologically characterized neurons within the rat rostro-ventrolateral medulla in vitro

Rostro-ventrolateral medulla (RVL) neurons were recorded using conventional intracellular recording techniques in brain slices maintained in vitro at 32°C and classified into 3 major groups. The first group included neurons having endogenous pacemaker-like (PL) activity with regular firing frequency (mean = 8 Hz) and a linear current-voltage relationship ( I–V). The second group of neurons were slowly and irregularly firing (IF) or quiescent, presenting membrane potential oscillations and their I–V usually displayed an inward rectification. These neurons had a relatively longer action potential duration. The third group included silent neurons (S) with no apparent membrane oscillations and they differed from the first two groups by having relatively shorter action potential duration and amplitude and lower cell input resistance. When recorded with KCl-filled electrodes, the majority of silent neurons displayed a time-dependent inward rectification. With KAc-filled electrodes, irregular slow hyperpolarizing and depolarizing spontaneous potentials could be recorded primarily on PL and IF neurons, respectively. Moreover, fast spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) were detected in about 15% of PL and S neurons. They generally exhibited a regular pattern and were depolarizing when KCl-filled electrodes were used for recording. The amplitude of these inhibitory PSPs was reversibly reduced by the GABAA antagonists bicuculline, SR 95531 and picrotoxin. With KAc-filled electrodes, pressure-applied GABA (20 mM) evoked complex responses. In PL neurons, it consisted of a fast hyperpolarization followed by a slower depolarization that were both sensitive to SR 95531 and picrotoxin. The response was terminated by a long-lasting hyperpolarization that was reduced, but not abolished, by the GABA B antagonist CGP 35348. In IF and S neurons, GABA application usually produced a fast followed by a slow monophasic hyperpolarization and depolarization, respectively. The fast component of these responses was sensitive to the GABA A antagonists. Pressure application of isoguvacine (10 mM) always induced monophasic responses in all types of neurons recorded. Baclofen (1–30 μM) reduced the firing frequency and hyperpolarized PL and IF neurons, an effect that was antagonized by CGP 35348 (50–100 μM); however, it had little effect on silent neurons. It is concluded that RVL neurons have heterogeneous electrophysiological characteristics. Their predominant synaptic input and GABA responsiveness might be additional criteria to identify the excitatory and inhibitory elements in the RVL circuitry. All neuronal types seem to have functional GABA A and GABA B receptors; however, only a subpopulation is under tonic inhibitory control in vitro, probably from local GABAergic pacemaker intemeurons. Our results further emphasize the role of GABA as an important neurotransmitter in the RVL network.