Astrocytes Modulate Baroreflex Sensitivity at the Level of the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract.

ABSTRACT: Maintenance of cardiorespiratory homeostasis depends on autonomic reflexes controlled by neuronal circuits of the brainstem. The neurophysiology and neuroanatomy of these reflex pathways are well understood, however, the mechanisms and functional significance of autonomic circuit modulation by glial cells remain largely unknown. In the experiments conducted in male laboratory rats we show that astrocytes of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), the brain area that receives and integrates sensory information from the heart and blood vessels, respond to incoming afferent inputs with [Ca²⁺]_i elevations. Astroglial [Ca²⁺]_i responses are triggered by transmitters released by vagal afferents, glutamate acting at AMPA receptors and 5-HT acting at 5-H

SUBMITTER: Mastitskaya S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7141885 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature