Cardiovascular responses to L-glutamate microinjection into the NTS are abrogated by reduced glutathione

Álisson Silva Granato, Paula Magalhães Gomes, Renato William Martins Sá, Gabriel Silva Marques Borges, Andréia Carvalho Alzamora, Lisandra Brandino de Oliveira, Glenn M. Toney, Leonardo M. Cardoso

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Redox imbalance in regions of the CNS controlling blood pressure is increasingly recognized as a leading factor for hypertension. Nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of the dorsomedial medulla is the main region receiving excitatory visceral sensory inputs that modulate autonomic efferent drive to the cardiovascular system. This study sought to determine the capacity of reduced glutathione, a major bioactive antioxidant, to modulate NTS-mediated control of cardiovascular function in unanaesthetized rats. Male Fischer 344 rats were used for microinjection experiments. Cardiovascular responses to L-glutamate were first used to verify accurate placement of injections into the dorsomedial region comprising the NTS. Next, responses to GSH or vehicle were recorded followed by responses to L-glutamate again at the same site. GSH microinjection increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) compared to vehicle and abrogated responses to subsequent injection of L-glutamate. These data indicate that GSH microinjection into the NTS affects blood pressure regulation by dorsomedial neuronal circuits and blunts L-glutamate driven excitation in this region. These findings raise the possibility that increased antioxidant actions of GSH in NTS could contribute to autonomic control dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)142-147
Number of pages6
JournalNeuroscience Letters
Volume642
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 6 2017

Keywords

  • Blood pressure
  • Glutathione
  • L-glutamate
  • Nucleus tractus solitaries

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience(all)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cardiovascular responses to L-glutamate microinjection into the NTS are abrogated by reduced glutathione'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this