Effects of microinjection of angiotensin II into the subnucleus commissuralis of nucleus tractus solitarii on the cardiovascular system of rabbits

Abstract

Microinjection of angiotensin (A II), 4 μg, into the subnucleus commissuralis of nucleus tractus solitarii (CNTS) was made in rabbits under urethane anesthesia in order to investigate its cardiovascular effects. Experimented animals were divided into five groups: 1. In control group 0.5 μ1 of normal saline was injected into CNTS. There was no significant change in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). 2. AII, 4 μg, dissolved in 0.5 μ1 saline was injected into the same region. MAP increased markedly, and HR decreased. 3. After severing bilateral sinus nerves and depressor nerves, 4μg of AII was injected. MAP increased more markedly, but HR showed slight reduction. 4. After microinjection of 4 μg A II into CNTS, the arterial baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (ABS) was determined by means of i. v. injection of adrenaline (5 μg/kg). ABS showed no significant change. 5. Previous injection of naloxone (3nmol) did not influence the pressor response to AII. The results suggest primary effect of the microinjection of AII into CNTS on vasomotor neurons without apparent effect on the cardiac neurons, and no effect of the endogenous opioid system in CNTS on the pressor response to A II during resting condition.

Keywords

subnucleus commissuralis of nucleus tractus solitarii / angio tensin II / naloxone / arterial baroreceptor reflex sensitivity / mean arterial pressure / heart rate

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