Effects of L-arginine-derived nitric oxide synthesis on neuronal activity in nucleus tractus solitarius

• DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.1995.268.2.r487
• Publication Date: 2017-12-25T04:03:44Z
• Authors: S. Ma; F. M. Abboud; R. B. Felder
• Keywords: Premovement neuronal activity; Solitary nucleus; Solitary tract

The purpose of these studies was to determine the effects L-arginine-derived nitric oxide (NO) synthesis on neuronal activity in solitary tract nucleus (NTS) neurons. Single unit recorded extracellularly from medial NTS neurons Fischer-344 rats vivo and vitro. In anesthetized with arterial pressure maintained constant, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg iv), an inhibitor NO synthesis, decreased discharge rate 12 14 increased two. After injection L-NAME, slowing began within 2-5 min, maximal responses were observed 12-15 min after injection. decreases reversed L-arginine (30 iv) or immediately nitroglycerin (NTG, 10-30 micrograms/kg iv). superfused rat brain slices, reduced by 1 mM L-NAME seven neurons, two, unchanged one. 2 (4 6 neurons) microM NTG (6 7 neurons). results show that can affect spontaneous We conclude may influence excitability involved central autonomic control.